Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Chase Fieldhouse 401 Garasches Lane Wilmington, DE 19801 Delaware Blue Coats website Chase Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 2,500 Blue 76ers The Delaware Blue Coats joined the NBA G-League in 2013 as an affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. At the time, they were known as the Delaware 87ers and played at the Bob Carpenter Center on the campus of the University of Delaware in Newark. In 2018, the 87ers rebranded as the Delaware Blue Coats, and in January of 2019 they moved into a new arena in Wilmington, the 76ers Fieldhouse. The Fieldhouse was a joint venture by the 76ers and the Buccini Polin Group and is part of a sports complex which also contains a youth training center and several turf fields. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at 76ers Fieldhouse on the lower level, serving a somewhat limited but sufficient menu. Main courses include chicken tenders ($7), pizza ($7 for a personal), cheesesteaks ($6) and hot dogs ($5). Snacks include tater tots ($5), and chips, muffins, and assorted snack cakes for $2 each. Drinks include soda, Gatorade, and bottled water for $4 and coffee for $3. Alcohol is also available at a separate stand next to the main one. Cocktails are $9 for a single or $17 for a double, beer is $8-$10, and wine is $8. Unfortunately, the lines at concession stands can move very slowly, so get your food before the game if possible. Atmosphere 4 All seats at the 76ers Fieldhouse are chair backs along the two sides of the court, accessed by walking up from floor level. The one exception is a VIP mezzanine on the second level of the arena. There are two scoreboards, one on each end of the court. One of them shows detailed player stats while the other is more basic. Unfortunately, depending on where you are sitting, it is possible your view of one of the scoreboards will be obstructed by the basket. There are glass windows on three sides of the court which let in a lot of light during day games. The glare can often be distracting. 76ers championship banners hang from the rafters, which are a nice touch but also reinforce that the Blue Coats are always going to be secondary to the Sixers in this area. The team does a good job of keeping the fans engaged. Music plays almost constantly and can get quite loud at times. Unfortunately, sometimes it gets so loud that it drowns out any noise the crowd makes. There is a mascot named Coaty, a blue horse who roams the stands and floor throughout the game. Neighborhood 2 76ers Fieldhouse is located in a business district, but as far as businesses you might actually go to for fun, as opposed to tire shops, pharmacies, and supermarkets, there isn’t much within walking distance other than a Domino’s. Your best bet is to take the bridge across the Christina River where you will find a lot of restaurants on the other side. You can find everything from bars to breweries to seafood joints, but although they’re just across the river from the arena, you will have to basically drive in a circle for two miles to get across and come back down. Fans 3 Although the Blue Coats rarely sell out, they draw well for a G-League team, frequently drawing over 2,000 fans a game. Fans range from young families with small children to senior citizens, reflecting the affordable and family-friendly atmosphere here. Those who do show up are engaged in the game and cheer on the Blue Coats. The team also frequently partners with local youth groups and sports teams to fill up the arena further. Access 3 76ers Fieldhouse is located on U.S. Route 13 Business, just off I-495. This should not be confused with the regular U.S. Route 13, which also runs near the arena but cannot be used to access it directly. Parking is available in a few lots behind the arena for $5. While it can be confusing which lot to park in, staff will do a good job of directing you to the right place. Once you’re in the arena, the concourse is plenty wide enough to allow room to move around. However, one odd quirk is that the path from the court to the locker rooms goes directly across the concourse. As a result, if you are sitting in Sections 6-10, you will need to wait until all personnel return to the locker room at halftime and the end of the game before you can leave the seating area. Return on Investment 3 How much you will pay for tickets depends on where you sit and when you go. Tickets for weekday games range from $12 for seats in the upper rows to $26 for front row seats near center court. On weekends, prices will range from $14 to $31. Parking is a bit pricey for this level, and concessions are about average. If you’re willing to sit in the upper rows, a Blue Coats game can be affordable, but if you want to sit lower down it can get pricey. For what is essentially a minor league, this is a bit much. Extras 2 The Blue Coats have a giant drum which they wheel out before every game to be played by a fan to pump up the crowd. There will often be live music from a local band on the concourse before the game, which is a nice touch and adds some local color to the experience. Final Thoughts Sadly, the NBA has not done a good job of promoting the G-League. However, that doesn’t seem to have deterred the Blue Coats from marketing themselves. As the only professional basketball team in Delaware, and one of only two professional teams, period, there is a large untapped market potential here that the team has taken advantage of. However, as the name of the arena, the giant glass window with the 76ers logo, and the championship banners in the rafters reflect, any professional basketball team here is always going to be second class citizens compared to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Nicoson Hall 1400 E Hanna Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46227 UIndy Greyhounds website Nicoson Hall website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 4,000 A Small Hidden College Basketball Gym in Indy Nicoson Hall on the campus of the University of Indianapolis (UIndy to many of us) is named after former basketball coach Angus Nicoson who led the program for 30 years and compiled an impressive record of 483-279 between 1947-1977. Nicoson transformed not only the basketball program but other sports on campus into a highly-respectable one. Fans entering the lobby will notice a bronze portrait of him that was dedicated in 1991. Another legend designed the building, architect Ralph Legeman’s patent design was used to construct the building. The $600,000 gym was dedicated on January 19, 1960, and was one of 27 of its kind built for both high school and collegiate gyms between 1949 and 1968. The design features no structural support for the seating bowl and roofing, top of the gym supported by steel trusses, and street-level entrances with multiple exits to move traffic after the game. The Greyhounds had played the previous two seasons at the Southport Fieldhouse a few miles south of campus and at the Barn since its inception in 1922. The team became members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference in 1980 and have made several NCAA Tournament appearances including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2015, the same year the Hounds were ranked number one for two weeks. Nicoson Hall has also hosted wrestling matches during the 1987 Pan American Games, a training camp for the Indiana Pacers, and has hosted several college teams practicing for Big Ten and NCAA Final Four tournaments held downtown at either the RCA Dome or Lucas Oil Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession of items stand located on the main level of the building offering a few items that include hot dogs, nachos, chips, candy, and soda. The selection is small and it might be wise to grab something to eat before or after the game but the food items are similar to what you would find at local high school gyms in the area. Atmosphere 3 Nicoson Hall features a wraparound concourse at street level with permanent hardwood bleacher seating forming an octagon around the gym court. The walls are decorated with team photos of current and past players and in one corner of the building is the Greyhound Lounge for private members complete with a roped off area with bar stool tables and chairs. A healthy crowd welcomes the Greyhounds onto the court that is lead by the cheer team that waves flags. There is a lot of room to move around throughout the seating bowl and both ends feature a large open space that provides more than enough room for both cheerleaders and a small press. The ceiling features a few championship banners but their colors of grey and white are somewhat camouflaged by its surroundings. A $500,000 donation from Ray Skillman Auto Group saw the installation of a sleek and modern playing surface in 2015. A new carpet and efficient LED lighting also included that summer as well at the gymnasium. There are also two simple scoreboards up above the concourse and a student section behind one of the nets provides a space for the Hounds most fervent fans to cheer the home team and chastise the visitors. Speaking of Hounds, the school has a mascot named Ace who patrols around the venue. Sadly, he was not at the game we attended. Other features of the gym feature a small concession stand and a lobby that features two beautiful murals on the school’s hoops history. Neighborhood 3 The campus is not located in one of the best neighborhoods of Indianapolis but it’s only three miles away from one of his best neighborhoods, Fountain Square. The hip little spot offers local restaurants, concert venues, and small shops that attract visitors from all over the city. The neighborhood has been up and coming the past decade and should only improve with more development. Hotel Tango Distillery is a great spot for homemade spirits set in a rustic vibe, Chili Water Brewery and Fountain Square Brewery are two great spots for craft beer. Kuma’s Corner offers some of the best burgers in a heavy metal theme establishment, Revolucion serves tacos and burgers in a contemporary Mexican restaurant with bold folk art photos on the wall, and for a nice dinner, the Bluebeard serves sharing plates and craft cocktails in a renovated 1924 warehouse. Duckpin bowling at the Fountain Square Theater takes visitors back in time with a 1930s or 1950s theme era bowling alley. Radio Radio is a concert lounge and rock-music venue with a small dance floor and video screens. A little closer to the UIndy campus is the Garfield Brewery and The Thompson House that offers wing specials on Tuesday and Sundays all day long. Fans 4 Fans in Indiana love their basketball at all levels and the UIndy faithful provided a nice backdrop to the game at hand. A beating of Lindenwood delighted the small but passionate fan base who saw its club move to 11-3 on the season. Access 4 Nicoson Hall is located on campus along the main road a few miles from the I-69 exit. There are two parking lots on both sides of the gym that are free of charge after 3 pm. The gym itself consists of one main lobby with ticket booths and a wraparound concourse with bathrooms, a concession stand, and plenty of exits for patrons after the game. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $10 per person and $5 for students and seniors 65 and older. The parking is free after 3 pm and concession prices are average in price. The cost is reasonable for Division II basketball and could make for a nice alternative for your basketball viewing in the state of Indiana. Extras 3 The Robert Legeman design is a nice feature of the building that is still the fixture with multiple high school venues in the state. The main lobby features two nice murals detailing the school’s basketball history. The gym’s lighting is a nice feature at the game. Final Thoughts Nicholson Hall looks like many other buildings of its kind that are home now to high school basketball in the state of Indiana. However, it features much better lighting and a few touches here and there to set it apart from the others of its kind. However, it’s not hard to have a somewhat high-school feel while watching a game on the campus of UIndy. However, that is not a knock on the gym. It is indeed inviting to enjoy a college basketball game in this hidden little gym in Indianapolis.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Hinkle Fieldhouse FANFARE Score: 4.57 Hinkle Fieldhouse 510 W 49th St Indianapolis, IN 46208 Butler Bulldogs website Hinkle Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 10,000 One of College Basketball's Historic Cathedrals The Butler men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and volleyball teams call historic Hinkle Fieldhouse their home on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. The facility has been regarded as one of the nation’s great basketball arenas since it opened in 1928; through more than eight decades of service, it has stood the test of time maintaining splendor, character, and atmosphere. The facility has virtually remained unchanged since its opening, but there have been many changes to the historic venue. The original seating capacity was 15,000 in 1928 but scaled down to its current 9,100 through renovations in 1989 and 2014. Another major change took place in 1933 when the basketball court was reconfigured to run east to west instead of north to south to provide better seating views for events. In 1989, $1.5 million in renovations were made to the reception area, team offices, and locker rooms. In 2014, $36 million in renovations included wider concourses, added restrooms, expanded concessions, an elevator for public use and ADA accessibility, and the replacement of 9,700 window panes with energy-efficient glass and tuck-pointing of 282,000 bricks to the fieldhouse’s exterior. Originally christened the Butler Fieldhouse, the arena was renamed in 1966 in honor of the school’s legendary coach and athletic director Paul “Tony” Hinkle who served as head coach for football, baseball, and basketball. Upon his retirement in 1970, Hinkle led the Bulldogs to 560 victories and one NCAA National championship in basketball (1924). He was and is the face of Butler University sports. Hinkle Fieldhouse was home to the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) basketball tournament from 1928-1971, hosted six U.S. presidents, four professional basketball teams, U.S. Olympic basketball trials, tennis matches, track meets, roller derby, bicycle races, and housed the U.S. military barracks during World War II. The largest crowd (14,500) ever to watch a volleyball match took place at the fieldhouse during the 1987 Pan American Games to see the USA defeat Cuba for the gold medal and the facility was featured in the iconic movie “Hoosiers” as the site of the championship game. Food & Beverage 4 The food options have improved drastically at Hinkle in the past few years and there are more kiosks available for fans to grab something to eat that is not too far away from their seats. There is an ample amount of basic, but tasty food available inside the building that seems about perfect for the game day crowd. The concession stands are located at the corner of the upper concourse of the facility and offer hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and freshly popped popcorn. Pulled pork sandwiches, Chick-fil-A sandwiches, and sweet treats are also available. Street tacos are available with either beef, chicken, or bean and vegetables. Fans can also enjoy these same toppings on street nachos from the same kiosk. Another kiosk offers beef burgers, foot-long brats, and foot-long cheddar sausages. Fans can enjoy Pepsi products and also both domestic and premium beers that include Coors Light, Bud Light, and Miller Lite while the premiums include Yuengling Lager and local Upland and White Claw varieties. The Efroymson Family Gym is open on the lower concourse to Bulldog Club members only. The area offers complimentary snacks and Pepsi products along with wine, beer, spirits, and sandwiches for an additional cost. Atmosphere 5 The Bulldogs recent success as a national powerhouse and two Final Four appearances (2010 and 2011) have created a surge in popularity with the school. Along with the move into the Big East, fans are now able to witness high-caliber basketball universities of Villanova, St. John’s, and Georgetown, along with local rivals Xavier, Marquette, and DePaul. There is not a bad seat in the house. A majority of the better seats are on top of the action that includes a porch on both ends of the playing court creating a perched view over both ends of the court. There is a lot to take in at a game at the fieldhouse, including a multitude of banners from both the men’s and women’s programs, hand-painted directions to seats and restrooms, beautiful brick interior, ramps, narrow railings, an excellent pep band and perfect acoustics created by the arched interior. They do not build them like this anymore and it is great to see the old lady still smiling proudly after 88 years of service. There is a lot of history crammed into the arena, displayed on the main concourse. Spend some time checking out the interactive exhibit that shows highlights of legendary coach Tony Hinkle, the building of the arena, and memorabilia that includes trophies, bronze shoes, and basketballs. You may want to break away from the basketball action and take a walk around to soak up some of the nostalgia. There is a lot here and the arena would be a treat even without an event taking place. Butler Blue IV is the official mascot of the university and he can be seen being walked on a leash around the arena during the game. Hink the Bulldog is the man-made mascot who parades around the court during contests and helps wave flags along with the cheerleaders during time-outs and breaks in the action. Both bulldogs are potty trained and friendly. It is an old-time atmosphere and a nod to basketball past; it’s an atmosphere that defines the meaning of Indiana basketball. The upper-level seats are wooden bleachers, but there is enough room to keep you comfortable during the game. The lower section features theater-style seating that creates a little more comfort for the fans. There is not a bad seat in this intimate 9,100-seat facility. Neighborhood 5 The campus is located within a residential area and close to Broad Ripple Village, a nice place to shop and walk around during the day, but a destination for the younger college crowd after dark. Downtown Indy is only six miles south of campus, but the best place to enhance your visit is in SOBRO (South Broad Ripple) just a few blocks away from campus. Twenty Tap offers distinctly different craft beers, along with their own, that are unavailable throughout the city. They offer menu options of vegetarian banh mi sandwiches, fried cheese curds, and poutine during the fall and winter months. The beer options also include a $4 pint of the day. Next door is Fat Dan’s offering mouthwatering and lip-smacking smoked ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken wings, juicy burgers, pressed Cubanos, Italian beef, and house-smoked meatloaf and Reuben sandwiches. There is even a draft beer of the day. Across the street is Yats, which offers Cajun and Creole cuisine at affordable prices with eclectic surroundings. Further down the road is Mama Carolla’s, which offers world-class Italian cuisine in an authentic setting that is a popular destination in the city. If you are looking for a hangout with pub food and sports, Moe & Johnny’s is the traditional Butler hangout, and the Sinking Ship offers some interesting vegan and vegetarian options along with plenty of flat-screen TVs for sports. Fans 5 The fans are rowdy, loud, and boisterous during the games and can be heard blocks away from the building. The program has been extremely successful for the past decade and with two Final Four appearances this decade, it is easy to understand the excitement. These fans are loyal regardless of how the team is performing on the court. Many alumni young and old stay in the city after college and continue to spend their seasons watching basketball at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The fans are respectful to opponents during the game. Access 3 There is a small lot adjacent to the arena for season ticket holders and there are lots throughout campus and a few places for visitors to park. Your best bet is arriving early and finding a spot on the street or certain spots on campus. Some homeowners may charge a small fee of $10 to park on their lawn and sometimes the narrow streets can become congested with cars looking for the opportune space. The outer concourse wraps around the lower portion of the seating bowl and houses many of the murals, photos, and trophy cases highlighting the building, the basketball program, and Tony Hinkle himself. You will also find food kiosks and the official team store. The upper-level concourse wraps around the building and provides a stunning view of the court and is where many of the food kiosks are located for purchase. It may also be fun to walk the residential neighborhood streets with both students and alumni on your way to the fieldhouse. Inside the venue, it is very easy to walk around the upper and lower concourses; bathrooms are accessible from the top rows of the upper section and on the main concourse entrance area. Return on Investment 5 The price of a ticket sometime depends on who the Bulldogs are playing and how far in advance you purchase your tickets. The box office will offer the best options with upper-level seats selling for $18 but they can then alter from $35 to $55 depending on the opponent. Games are played routinely at near-capacity crowds and Butler and tickets on the secondary market can be as low as $6 during the week. In other words, this is probably among the best buildings and programs in college basketball. A $15-$30 price tag is a bargain for this type of environment. Extras 5 The history seeping through the walls of the building is truly a spectacle in itself. The average visitor may want to walk around the concourse to view the accolades, trophy cases, banners, and other memorabilia. You might even want to give yourself a few hours extra just to take it all in before the game. The end court seating hovers over the floor like a balcony, providing a great view of the action on the court. Butler Blue III is an actual bulldog who has walked around on a leash throughout the game. He is a friendly canine and can be spotted on the main concourse or even on the floor at times. If you’re a sports movie buff, then it is exciting to be in a place where the championship scenes from Hoosiers were filmed. Final Thoughts There are college basketball arenas and then there are its cathedrals. The Hinkle Fieldhouse is the latter and entering its eleventh decade the atmosphere gets only better. The Bulldog program continues to rank high on AP Top 25 and provides its fans with winning basketball and an atmosphere that is loud, energetic, and exciting. Hinkle is what college basketball is meant to be and how wonderful is it that near the end of this current decade, the building will be celebrating its 100th anniversary?

Photos by Will Halern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Kenan Memorial Stadium 78 Stadium Dr Chapel Hill, NC 27514 North Carolina Tar Heels website Kenan Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 50,500 Carolina Blue Beacon on the Hill The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, founded in 1788, was the first public university in the United States to enroll students, doing so in 1795. Exactly a century after its founding, UNC launched its football program. The Tar Heels is a state nickname dating back to the Civil War. North Carolina is now known as the Tar Heel State, and with the Chapel Hill campus being the state’s flagship university it only made sense to adopt the nickname. From 1888 until 1921 the school competed independently, after which they spent the next three decades as part of the Southern Conference, before becoming a charter member of The Atlantic Coast Conference in 1953; the Tar Heels are ACC members to this day. The Tar Heels first played at Emerson Field, about a half-mile from Kenan Memorial Stadium, on the site of what is now Davis Library, which is UNC’s main library. The stadium only held 2,400 fans and it was clear the team needed a bigger place to play, so in 1927 Kenan Memorial Stadium opened. The stadium has been renovated and updated over the years, most notably in 2011 when the stadium was enclosed, and in 2018 when most of the bleacher seats were replaced with individual seats, dropping the capacity from 62,582 to 50,500. The stadium is now close to a hundred years old, but still looks modern, while at the same time keeping some of the original charm. Food & Beverage 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium offers a variety of food and beverage choices to keep everyone attending a Tar Heels Football game happy. The main concessions stands offer a Chick-fil-A sandwich and chips combo for seven dollars, a Hunt Brothers pepperoni or cheese pizza for six dollars, a Backyard Bistro Half Pound Angus Cheeseburger and Chips combo for seven dollars, or a Kayem Jumbo Hot Dog for five dollars Pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, and candy are also offered, and you can get a regular fountain Coca-Cola for five dollars, with a souvenir cup for just a dollar more. If the lines at the main concessions stands are moving slowly, then Hunt Brothers Pizza and Chick-fil-A also have their own stands offering the same items, with the addition of a full Hunt Brothers Pizza for twenty dollars if you are feeling especially hungry. There is also a Gourmet Pretzel stand, and if you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, check out Trash Talk Food Truck, which offers Trash Plates for twelve dollars, where you can pick a cheeseburger, hot dog, or both on top of macaroni salad, home fries, and topped with mustard, onions, and Trash Meat Sauce. The truck also offers chicken sandwiches and burgers or hot dogs with various toppings. Frozen Minute Maid Lemonade, Dippin’ Dots, and Ben and Jerry’s with six different ice cream choices are offered for dessert. The trend in some college football stadiums recently has been the introduction of adult beverages, and Kenan Memorial Stadium now offers domestic beer including Bud Light and Coors for eight dollars, and premium beer including Corona and Blue Moon for ten dollars. Atmosphere 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium has always had great views of the field, as the front rows of the stadium are only a few feet from the field, and even in the nosebleeds you get a great view of the action. Beginning last season Kenan Memorial Stadium eliminated all bleacher seating except for the student section behind the West End Zone, and replaced them with individual chairback seating, making for a more comfortable game day experience. The North Carolina Cheerleaders, Rameses (the Tar Heels ram mascot), and the Marching Tar Heels band also add to the energy in Kenan Memorial Stadium. In addition, there are two decent-sized rectangular video boards, hanging behind each end zone, which is a nice touch to give fans on either side of the stadium a chance to view promotions, contests, or instant replays. There is a large amount of premium seating, with some behind the south stands (on the side with the UNC logo facing the correct way), but the majority are in the Blue Zone area behind the East End Zone. The only downside is getting up to the second levels, which requires a walk up a couple of flights of narrow stairs to a narrow concourse, which is divided into sections and does not go all the way around the stadium, so make sure to read the signage so as not to climb up and down the stairs multiple times to find your section. Neighborhood 4 Kenan Memorial Stadium is located right in the heart of UNC’s campus. Chapel Hill is a college town in the truest sense of the definition, as the town of Chapel Hill and UNC are interwoven. A few blocks from the stadium you will find Franklin Street, Chapel Hill’s main drag, filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The first place to grab a bite would be Top of the Hill, a great combination of local southern cuisine with a twist – they offer Chicken and Waffles, Biscuits and Gravy, Edamame Burgers, and Cajun Pork Benedict, which you can top off with a Crème brûlée Cheesecake for dessert. Sutton’s Drug Store is another place to check out – opened nearly a century ago they offer breakfast, hot dogs, sandwiches, and milkshakes, all at a great price in an old-time friendly setting. Chapel Hill offers a number of bars as well, including He’s Not Here, Goodfellows, and Boxcar Barcade, so you’re never too far from a place to grab a drink or a fun spot to hang out before or after the game. Chapel Hill may be a college town, but there is more within the town limits than the university. For those who enjoy being outside on a late summer or crisp fall day, take a stroll around the Coker Arboretum or the North Carolina Botanical Gardens, or catch a show at the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center – this is among the oldest and largest planetariums in the country, and has been a fixture on the UNC Campus for seventy years. The Tar Heels also have a rich basketball tradition, so check out the Carolina Basketball Museum next door to the Dean E. Smith Center, popularly known as the Dean Dome. Or, for those who enjoy shopping head east on Franklin Street to University Place, a small shopping mall with a movie theatre, or for a more hip feel, take Franklin Street going west to neighboring Carrboro, where you can get some breakfast, lunch, or dinner at Elmo’s Diner. You can then explore the rest of Carr Mill Mall, a shopping mall converted from an old cotton mill, or the adjacent Weaver Street Market, a fair trade and organic farmer’s market and Co-Op. Or, perhaps you can catch a show at the Carrboro Arts Center or at Cat’s Cradle, a haven for up-and-coming and/or indie national touring acts – you can do all of this within ten minutes of Kenan Memorial Stadium. There are a couple of chain hotels, the AC by Marriott and Aloft Chapel Hill, both less than two miles from Kenan Memorial Stadium, but if you are looking for something more luxurious, both the Franklin Hotel and the Historic Carolina Inn are located less than a mile from the stadium. These two are likely to fill up fast, however, so make sure to book ahead of time if you know you are going to be in town for a game; there are also a number of other hotels in nearby Durham if you don’t mind a short commute. Fans 4 There is no doubt that Tar Heel fans are among the most passionate in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but in the last few years the Heels have fallen on some tough times, Kenan Memorial Stadium averaged just over three-quarters full during the 2017 season, good for tenth in a fourteen-team conference. However, in 2018 attendance rose dramatically from 76.65% to 86.38%, which happened in part due to the stadium’s capacity going down nearly 13,000 in the off-season. However, with a new coach and a program on the rise, enthusiasm for Carolina Football is going up. The game I most recently attended was the battle for the Victory Bell against hated rival the Duke Blue Devils, and the fans were loud and passionate, and weren’t afraid to let it be known when they disagreed with an official’s or coach’s decision. With a stadium that seems to be at about the right size, and a more comfortable experience now, Kenan Memorial Stadium will continue to assert itself as one of the best atmospheres, and one of the toughest places to play, in the ACC. Access 4 Getting to and from Kenan Memorial Stadium can be a little tricky. There is some heavy traffic, as is only to be expected at a lot of college football stadiums. However, with its location close to the center of UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus, and the large amounts of public transportation, you can park anywhere you want. The closer lots to the stadium on East and West Rosemary Streets will cost you twenty dollars, but you can use the spots the entire day, so you can arrive early and stay late, and take in all that Chapel Hill has to offer. There are also a number of lots around UNC’s campus that will cost you no more than $12.20, and many of them you can pay for in advance, so you don’t have to worry about having the exact cash needed to park. Some of these lots include the Hibbard and South Chiller Lot, with the cheapest being the Cameron-Graham Lot that will only cost you $6.75; handicap parking is available at the Ambulatory Care lot on Mason Farm Road. There are also numerous buses that will take you to the stadium, including the J, A, U, and the Tar Heel Express, all free of charge, like all of Chapel Hill’s Transit buses. Chapel Hill does not have any official bus or train stations, so if you are coming from out of town, you’ll need to take a bus or train to either the Durham Amtrak or Greyhound Stations, or Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Luckily all of those options are within a half hour of the stadium, and you can take a number of Go Triangle Buses from any of those locations. The 400 bus will take you from downtown Durham (where the Amtrak and Greyhound stations are) to Chapel Hill, and if you’re coming from the airport, taking the 100 to the 700 will get you to Kenan Memorial Stadium for $2.25 each way. There are several gates all around the facility, and while lines can be a bit long, you won’t have to wait too long to get into the stadium. Walking around the concourse can be a little bit tight, but not terribly hard. Handicap seating is available in sections 100, 112-119, or 131. The restrooms are showing their age a bit, but are well kept and fairly clean. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for games start at $20-$25 and go up to $50-$55 depending on the game. Food prices and parking aren’t too bad, so depending on where you want to sit, park, and how much food you buy, it shouldn’t cost any more than fifty dollars to attend a UNC Football game, which given the level of competition of playing in the ACC, a Division 1 Power Five Conference, is a good value. Extras 5 The first point goes to the Belltower Tailgating Area, where you’ll find some great tailgaters decked out in Carolina Blue, convening, playing some corn hole, listening to some tunes, and cheering on the Carolina football team, all under the beautiful Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower. Speaking of which, a second point goes to the bell tower being lit up in Carolina Blue after a win. Another point goes to the Victory Walk, where fans can cheer on the team as they walk with the Marching Tar Heels band and the cheerleaders to Kenan Memorial Stadium – the walk starts at the bell tower two and a half hours prior to kickoff. A fourth point is for the playing of AC/DC’s Hell’s Bells and Eric Church’s Carolina before the start of the fourth quarter, bringing more energy to an already energetic Carolina fan base, and finally a point for the large Tar Heel Team Store located inside the stadium, where you can get all your Tar Heel apparel without having to leave Kenan. Final Thoughts Kenan Memorial Stadium has been home to North Carolina Football for the past ninety-two years, but it would be easy to forget its age due to the recent renovations, including its new chairback seats and its two new large video boards. Mack Brown’s return to the program has given new life to Tar Heel Football after a recent dry spell, and in playing in a division as wide open as the ACC’s Coastal, the hope of competing for the ACC Championship as they did in 2015 could soon be on the horizon. Chapel Hill may always be known for basketball, but Kenan Memorial Stadium should be the backdrop for many future Carolina football victories, and put the program back on the map.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Swisher Gymnasium 100 Dolphin Drive Jacksonville, FL 32211 Jacksonville Dolphins website Swisher Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 1,452 Phins Up! There are few moments in sports more surprising than the 1970 Final Four appearance by the Jacksonville Dolphins. Led by future NBA star and Basketball Hall of Fame member Artis Gilmore, the Dolphins moved through the tournament defeating Western Kentucky, Iowa and Kentucky to make it to the Final Four. The Cinderella Dolphins made it one step farther defeating the St. Bonaventure Bonnies to make it to the National Championship game. John Wooden’s juggernaut UCLA Bruins would dash the hopes of the upstart Dolphins, but a miracle run was ingrained in the Jacksonville fanbase. The 1969-70 Dolphins also etched themselves in College Basketball history as the first team to average 100 points in a season. Currently, Jacksonville is a small, private university of just over 4,000 students. The Dolphins have been playing basketball since 1949. After playing as an independent and conferences that no longer exist, Jacksonville moved to the Sun Belt Conference in 1976. They currently play in the Atlantic Sun Conference, their home since 1998. The Dolphins call the Historic Swisher Gymnasium their on-campus home and have played there since 1953. They played in the Jacksonville Coliseum from 1969 to 1999, until it was demolished in favor of the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, where the Dolphins played from 2003 to 2015. They then returned to campus to the renovated gym. Named after Carl Swisher, the father of Jacksonville University, former chairman of the Board of Trustees and the man instrumental in finding the university a permanent home, the Historic Swisher Gymnasium is a small, intimate venue with a capacity of just over 1,452. The court is named after Billie Nimnicht, a local car dealership owner and big supporter of Jacksonville athletics during his life. One of the smaller schools playing in one of the smallest venues offers an entire different experience than one may associate with NCAA Basketball, but it is one not to be missed, for sure. Food & Beverage 2 The culinary experience at a Dolphins game is not the most extravagant. A simple menu at the one concession stand in the atrium includes hot dogs, popcorn, chips and candy. Beverages include soda, water and Gatorade. Beer and wine is also available, which is not necessarily the norm for a college basketball venue on campus. Although there is little variety and not much more than a snack available, the prices are very reasonable. Atmosphere 3 Definitely not an imposing structure, the Historic Swisher Gymnasium is neatly embedded in the centre of campus at Jacksonville University, steps away from the St. Johns River. A small, arched structure with windows along the curved roofline of the original gymnasium, there is a clear division between where the original gym stands and the additions to it with the latest renovation. Entering Swisher brings fans into the pride of the Dolphins. The atrium outside of the main gym is full of displays and memorabilia of the glory years at JU. A huge display telling the story of the 1969-1970 Dolphins and their run to the National Championship game along with their favorite son, Artis Gilmore, will give fans the opportunity to step into an area of JU athletics they are probably not familiar with. Trophies for the national runner-up are also photo ops for fans. Very smartly decorated, the atrium leads to the main concession stand which also sells some Dolphins gear. To the right is the entrance to the gymnasium, which is flanked by the original dedication plaque from 1953, information on the latest renovation and a curious sign above the entrance welcoming fans to the Artis Gilmore Court. Inside the seating area, it is obvious that Swisher could be a really tough place to play as an opponent. The court runs from east to west and fans enter from the east side with the majority of seating on the north side. The south side of the gym is the Swisher Splash Zone, which is presumably the student section. A very small capacity shows fans that if the gym was full, it could be amazing. The north and south walls hold simple videoboards, which basically only show the score and video of the game. More advanced statistics of the game including player points and fouls, are not shown on the board. To the upper left of the videoboard on the west wall, proudly hang the retired numbers for the Dolphins. The likes of Roger Strickland, Rex Morgan, Artis Gilmore, Otis Smith and Dee Brown. Hanging above the south stands are the Jacksonville Dolphins championship banners, which include 1970, 71, 73, 79 and 86 NCAA Tournament appearances, 2009 and 2010 Atlantic Sun Championships, 1979 and 1986 Sun Belt Tournament Championships, NIT and CIT appearances and the 1970 NCAA Final Four banner. The production at a Dolphins game is very simple. Some music between and fairly simple introductions and promotions highlight the game experience. During free-throws, fans are encouraged to put their Phins Up, and enthusiastically raise their hands and shake them, hoping for a good foul shot. It must be noted, that the specific game that was reviewed was during the winter break, when the campus was fairly empty so the gameday production may be a bit different during a normal game. Neighborhood 3 The Jacksonville University campus is located east of the St. Johns River and adjacent to the Lake Lucina, Monterey, University Park and Arlington Manor neighborhoods of Jacksonville. There are a few spots that are not too far for pre or post game meals. The River House Pub is right on campus and probably the one spot within walking distance. Smoke in the City BBQ, and Louisiana Fish and Chicken are also close. There are a number of fast food restaurants on Merrill Road, which is close to campus. For other sporting options, the Jacksonville Jaguars play at TIAA Bank Field and the Jacksonville IceMen play at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The Alexander Brest Museum and Jacksonville Zoo are other tourist type options worth checking out. Also, catching the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl during the football playoffs is a great holiday plan. For fans needing to stay in the area, Kings Inn and Regency Inn are decent selections. Fans 2 The Jacksonville Dolphins usually average less than 1,000 fans per game. This makes for one of the lowest average attendances in Division I basketball. That being said, 1,000 fans in Swisher would be terrific with such a small capacity. That being said, it was low attendance that pushed Jacksonville U to move their home games back to campus and leave the bigger, downtown Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena. It will be interesting to see if demand for basketball will force either a move back downtown or an expansion of Swisher. Access 3 Jacksonville University is located east of the St. Johns River and east of downtown. It is west of I-295 and north of the Arlington Expressway. Getting to the university is not terribly difficult. For fans heading on campus for the first time, parking can be a bit of a chore. It is best to arrive early and scope out parking. There are some lots at the end of Dolphin Drive that most would not get to. For fans interested in public transit, there are buses that run along University Boulevard. Fans should check out the Jacksonville Transportation Authority website for fares, maps and schedules. The ticketing window at Swisher is actually outside the building. Getting tickets is not difficult and lines are rarely an issue. Inside, the low attendance means that getting around the gym is not that difficult. However, a full house would make the atrium pretty crowded. The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility as well. Return on Investment 5 Taking in a Jacksonville Dolphins game is one of the most affordable endeavours in sport. A Dolphins ticket is only $10 for General Admission, which all of the seats are, outside of those specifically reserved for season ticket holders. Concession prices are quite good and getting to the game is not costly. Although, not the most complex production, the Dolphins remain Division I basketball and it is a program that has some pedigree to its name. The experience is well worth the tiny investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Dolphins city rivalry with the North Florida Ospreys. Florida Gulf Coast is also a decent rivalry. An extra mark for the return to campus for the Dolphins An extra mark for the history of Historic Swisher Gymnasium Final Thoughts Not all college basketball schools are Duke, Kansas or North Carolina. With over 350 Division I programs there is a wide variety of experiences for the sports traveler. Although the Jacksonville Dolphins are one of the smallest programs in the country, the experience at the Historic Swisher Gymnasium should not be discounted. Heading on campus will mean a good time at a price that is far lower than any big program. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Jarred Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Schar Center 542 N Williamson Ave Elon, NC 27244 Elon Phoenix website Schar Center website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,100 Phoenix Rising Tucked into the Piedmont region of North Carolina is the quaint college town of Elon, home to the university of the same name. About a half-hour east of Greensboro, the ACC’s stomping grounds, this mid-major Colonial Athletic school is constantly living in the shadow of the state’s bluebloods. The men’s basketball program at Elon christened the Phoenix, has never won a conference tournament – let alone earn a berth in March Madness – since joining the DI ranks in 2001. But recent developments on campus may be the catalyst for success that the program has been waiting for. In 2018, the university debuted a brand-new, 160,000-square-foot venue to replace their old home, an aging Alumni Gym. Elon played for 68 years in this little arena before moving to their new digs at the sparkling Schar Center. This relocation will perhaps allow the Phoenix to do what Phoenix does best: rise from the ashes. Food & Beverage 4 You’ll find a great variety of concession items at Schar Center, as several community favorites are represented alongside the traditional staples. Among the local choices, there’s Biscuitville ($5 chicken biscuits), Smitty’s Ice Cream ($4.50 for a small cup, $5.50 for a large one), and Walking Taco ($8). The classic options include cheese nachos ($5), pizza ($3), hot dogs ($3), giant pretzels ($5), candy ($3), chips ($2), and popcorn ($3). One specialty that you may want to consider is the “Phoenix Dog” – for $6, you get a dog topped with pulled pork, sauce, fried onions, and slaw. To wash it all down, grab a bottle of water or a Coke product for $3. Atmosphere 3 Schar Center opened in 2018, meaning it hasn’t had much time to develop character. The layout of the venue is well thought-out and the 360-degree concourse gives visitors a clear view of the action from most points. Although the general atmosphere of the building itself is quite sterile, the gameday presentation is very professional and high-quality. There are two large LED video boards located over end zones, providing fans with stats and updates from every angle. During the pre-game and the player introductions, songs like Cascada’s Every Time We Touch (a tradition at nearby Duke) and Kevin Rudolf’s Let it Rock are blasted over the speakers. Unfortunately, the Phoenix doesn’t have many traditions unique to their school as it relates to basketball. At times, it feels as if you could be in any college gym in the nation, seeing any mid-major program. Note that the atmosphere may be a bit better for women’s games, which are also held at Schar Center. The singing of the national anthem can also be a bit awkward, because the venue’s American flag is located on the wall behind the largest part of the seating bowl, rather than being hung from the rafters. Having a flag in this location forces everyone in that part of the bowl to turn completely around. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it is weird. Neighborhood 4 Elon is the definition of a college town and the beautiful campus that goes along with it. While Schar Center is located in a newly-developed field surrounded by parking lots, the rest of the university campus is quaint and even a bit historic. The grounds even feature a picturesque lake. Nearby downtown Elon has several cool little shops and interesting restaurants. Burlington, a larger town next door, has an even greater number of entertainment options. And there’s always a bigger fish: Greensboro is just thirty minutes to the west and has most of the trappings of a mid-sized city. Fans 2 Schar Center seats over 5,000 people, but it’s rare to see a crowd of that size at Phoenix home games. The result is weak support from the stands, as the die-hards and player families are usually the only ones cheering on Elon. The long-term success of the program on the court may lead to a fuller arena in the future, which is the school’s hope. Right now, it appears as if the men’s program is overshadowed by a far more successful women’s team. Fan turnout is probably slightly better for the lady Phoenix, who claimed the CAA Tournament Championship in 2017 and 2018 – earning them back-to-back bids in the Big Dance. Access 4 Elon is located just off Interstate 85/40, about a half-hour from Greensboro and forty minutes from Durham. It’s essentially equidistant from the Piedmont-Triad and Raleigh-Durham International Airports, which fly to destinations across the country. Since the Schar Center is located on a newly-developed lot, there are large and flowing entrance and exit lanes that lead to the parking area. The Hunt B lot is where visitors are allowed to park during home games, and there’s no charge to leave your car here. As a bonus, it’s located right near the main entrance to the arena. Once inside the gym, you’ll likely find that the upper tier of seats in the main bowl is roped off, as it is for low-attendance games. Otherwise, there’s absolutely no issue moving around on the concourse. It’s wide and spacious with lots of standing room if you prefer to watch the game that way. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Phoenix home games are $20 a person, a bit on the pricey side for this level of hoops. Thankfully, there’s free parking and the concessions are priced very fairly. Overall, anticipate forking over around $30 for a night out in Elon. Extras 3 Tucked away beyond one of the end zones is a neat hangout area equipped with a cluster of televisions, some of which broadcast live games and some that are hooked up to video game consoles. There are also some arcade-style games, a basketball hoop, and some plush couches to finish off the man-cave-type space. Behind the other end zone, there are a few large windows that look down onto the team’s practice courts. Here, you’ll often see some club or youth players shooting hoops during men’s games. Final Thoughts The Phoenix is still on the hunt for their first-ever conference tournament championship in Division I play, as well as their first dance in the NCAA tournament. As the newest member of the CAA, having joined in 2014, hopefully, these dreams can be realized during their tenure at the sleek Schar Center. As a modern venue that gives its tenant plenty of room to grow, this gym will surely be the site of many great Elon moments shortly.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Findlay Toyota Center 320a N Main St Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Findlay Toyota Center website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 5,100 NAZ Suns Editors Note: The Northern Arizona Suns played four seasons in the G League at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley. The Northern Arizona Suns (NAZ Suns) play their home basketball games at the comfortable Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley, AZ. They are the minor league affiliate of the Phoenix Suns which makes sense as the two teams are only 90 miles apart. They play in the G-League (Gatorade League) formerly known as the NBDL (National Basketball Developmental League or D-League). The team was previously known as the Long Beach Jam and the Bakersfield Jam; their name changed in 2016 when the Phoenix Suns purchased the team and moved them from California to Prescott Valley. The Findlay Toyota Center hosted the Arizona Sun Dogs from the now defunct Central Hockey League and the Arizona Outlaws from the American Indoor Football League (also defunct). It hosts Monster Trucks, concerts, Cirque Du Soleil, rodeos, ice shows, and more. It is a nice, intimate facility in which to watch an event and basketball. Food & Beverage 3 Depending on attendance, not all concessions are open for Suns’ games. Cinnamon roasted nuts and other nut treats, Dippin’ Dots, shaved ice, kettle corn, corn dog snack bars, etc. dot the concourse. A small bar kiosk is located on the concourse near section 203 selling cocktails, wine, and beer. Beer is $7. Burgers and Brews provides the main nourishment during a Suns’ game offering hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with fries for $8. Snacks such as hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, pretzels, popcorn, nachos, candy, chips can be purchased a la carte ranging from $1.50 – $6.50. Papa John’s pizza has a stand with 8” pizzas running $8. This seems to be the more popular choice for fans. A 32-oz fountain Pepsi is $4 with Arizona tea, coffee, water, Gatorade offered for $2.75 – $4. Small tables with chairs are set up along the concourse to enjoy your refreshments without having to carry it them your seats; a nice feature. Atmosphere 3 Findlay Toyota Center is a comfortable facility in which to watch some hoops. Two entrances are available, one that is wheelchair accessible. The concourse, which houses a respectable merchandise shop, concessions, and restrooms, forms a U around the entertainment floor with no ability to see the court. Only those with access to the premium floor seats and subsequent buffet can enter at the top of the U. After ascending seven or eight steps, fans enter the seating area on row E and rows go up to Q or so and down to A. Plastic maroon fold down seats (no cup holders) are provided and the first four rows (A – D) are cushioned. One level of seating is available with suites on top. The steps have hand rails for those needing a little balance. Half-moon floor tables line parts of the court for fans to get an up-close view of the action while enjoying a bite to eat and drink. The music selection is decent and the level is not too loud and fans can have conversations without having to yell. It is played throughout the game. No center hung scoreboard is in the arena, instead, two video scoreboards are placed on each side of the seating area which show the basic info like score, quarter and time. Dot matrix scoreboards mounted on the stands behind the baskets are actually designed more for hockey than for basketball as they show labels for shots on goal, player penalty, and period but plug in the basketball info where needed. The court is placed on a larger entertainment floor so lots of empty space is behind the baskets. Promotions include the typical fan participation activities at the quarters and breaks like kiss cam, run the court and shoot for a basket. A mascot called Bucket roams around high-fiving fans in attendance. At the game of this review, the Movement Studio dance team performed for the fans during halftime. The temperature is comfortable. Not too warm nor too cold, just right! Neighborhood 3 Prescott Valley has certainly developed since the opening of the event center and quite a few places to entertain oneself are within a mile. Two good places to eat are Susy B’s (a family breakfast/lunch/early dinner family-style restaurant) and Gabby’s Grill (steaks, burgers, sandwiches – an American grill). A Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili’s Bar and Grill as well as many fast food restaurants are within two blocks if chain restaurants are the preference. Lonesome Valley Brewing is less than a mile away and serves their own brewed craft beer and mead and they serve traditional bar food too. Try the Big Neib if IPAs are your beer of choice. Other things to do when in Prescott Valley might include a visit to the Plum Creek Alpacas farm, taking a hike on the Iron King Trail or seeing a movie at the Harkins Theatre. A little over five miles away is historic Prescott. The closest other sports would be an hour north to Flagstaff where fans can watch an NAU basketball or football game. The parent club, Phoenix Suns, is 90 miles south on I-17. Prescott Valley has several hotels now, including a GreenTree Inn, Super 8, and Hampton Inn & Suites all within a mile of Findlay Toyota Center. Fans 2 The NAZ Suns fans are quite supportive of the team. Lots of families and kids are in attendance as it is designed to be a family friendly entertainment choice. Attendance is generally around 1,000 fans which is on the low end of the G-League, which is kind of a shame as the minor league games are a most affordable exciting game day experience. Access 3 Findlay Toyota Center is 32 miles from I-17 if coming from Phoenix from the south or about 22 miles if coming from Flagstaff from the north. Free parking is on the north side of the arena off Main St. One must pass through a security check but no clear bag policy is in place. A Greyhound bus stop is located two blocks from the arena. Prescott Regional Airport – Ernest A Love Field – is 10 miles away with service via United Airlines to and from Los Angeles and Denver. Public transportation is not yet available in Prescott Valley. Fans must walk up seven or eight steps to get to seating area but I am told there is wheelchair accessible seating for the Suns games. The concourse doesn’t get too crowded at half time but I suspect if there is a full crowd, it could. Bathrooms are clean and sufficient. Return on Investment 4 Spending a few hours watching a NAZ Suns game is well worth your sports dollar entertainment. End zone tickets cost as little as $10 ($9 military) going up to $29 for center court ($22 military). Those with a college ID get in for $9. Floor seating goes from $75 – $124 and includes a buffet. Concession prices are on par with similar sports venues and relatively reasonable. Parking is free. Extras 3 The event center has benches to sit and wait outside for friends or for the gates to open. More arenas should do this. After the game, the NAZ Suns players walk the circumference of the floor and high-five fans providing quite a thrill for the kids. And, player autograph sessions are scheduled after most games. A stocked merchandise shop is just inside the one entrance with plenty of shirts, caps, and trinkets, including hat pins. Final Thoughts Watching an NAZ Suns game is a fun, entertaining few hours. The game day production is not over done, the games are played well, and it is affordable. I encourage Northern Arizona fans or Phoenix Suns fans to take in a few games each season in Prescott Valley.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome 1705 S San Francisco St Flagstaff, AZ 86011 Northern Arizona Lumberjacks website J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 7,000 Elevation 7000 The Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks basketball team plays their home games at 42-year-old J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, Arizona. The dome is a massive wood-span structure that covers 6.2 acres with the roof spanning more than 500 feet and rising 142 feet above the playing surface. Opened in 1977, it is used for NAU’s football, basketball, indoor track & field, as well as other sports and entertainment events. The Lumberjacks have played in the Big Sky Conference since 1970 and have appeared in two NCAA Tournaments (1998 and 2000). Food & Beverage 2 Two concession stands are open for basketball games; one on each side of the concourse with basic stadium food on offer for relatively decent prices. Choices include hot dogs, nachos, pretzels ($2.75 - $5.50) and two value meals – hot dog, popcorn, 16-oz Pepsi or BBQ sandwich, popcorn, 16-oz Pepsi for $6. Fountain Pepsi products run $3 - $3.75 with bottled water, hot chocolate, and coffer also served. Beer is only sold in the VIP section called True Blue Lounge located on the floor behind one of the baskets. Either value meal is the best bet, however, we recommend not eating at the dome but head downtown Flagstaff just a mile and a half away to find local places for refreshments. Atmosphere 2 While the Walkup Skydome is suited well for football, it falls short for basketball. The basketball court is placed in the middle of an indoor football surface. Only five seating sections are open for basketball games. The court only takes up ½ the football configuration and looks out of place and unimportant. Twenty-one inch-wide, blue-plastic, fold-down stadium seats with no cup holders make up the seating sections. Sit in section 113 to see logo right side up. Yellow seats spell out NAU but are centered for the football configuration; not the basketball. The sound system and video boards (one on each end) are the technological highlight of the venue with extremely crisp, clear videos and sound. No center hung video scoreboard is available and that suits this arena just fine. Marching band music is piped in when the Lumberjacks take the court. Some promotions are offered during timeouts and half time: kids run the court and shoot baskets, t-shirt tosses, and the like. A kid’s bounce house is inflated pregame and halftime but deflated during play. A humming noise (from lights? the electronics?) permeates the dome throughout the game which is distracting. Neighborhood 2 NAU is a pretty campus and when attending in the winter, you’ll see plenty of snow-capped mountains and pine trees. Downtown Flagstaff, just 1 – 2 miles away, is the place for dining and a beverage. Some recommended choices are: Pizzicletta (wood-fired pizza), Tourist Home All Day Café (breakfast/lunch), Proper Meats + Provisions (sandwiches), and a few blocks north Josephine's Modern American Bistro (New American). Flagstaff has several breweries: Dark Sky Brewing, Flagstaff Brewing, Mother Road, and Lumberyard are a few in the downtown area to enjoy before or after a game. Other things to visit when in Flagstaff include the Lowell Observatory or just visit the Historic Downtown and Railroad District. And, the Grand Canyon National Park is a little over an hour drive away. Other sports include the NAU football team, or take an hour and 15 min drive down to Prescott Valley and see the Northern Arizona Suns basketball (G League). If traveling from out of town, every kind of hotel chain in a variety of price ranges is available a mile or two from the university for a night’s sleep. Recommended choices include Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff, SpringHill Suites by Marriott Flagstaff, and LaQuinta Inn & Suites Flagstaff. Plenty more are in the area. Fans 2 The arena is just too big for basketball. That includes the fan attendance and the court. In the last few years, attendance has averaged just around 1,000 fans per game. This makes attending a game at a venue that holds 7,000 pretty skimpy with not a whole lot of energy running through the stands. The fans in attendance do their best to support their team and stand and applaud and when appropriate and they should be commended. Access 4 Getting to and in and around the Walkup Dome is quite simple. The university is at the junction of I-40 and I-17 - right off I-17, with plenty of free parking just adjacent to the arena. The box office is located outside the east entrance (behind the Lumberjack statue) and opens a few minutes before the doors open. Flagstaff has a small airport about 5 miles out of town with services from Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, and Phoenix provided by United Airlines and American Airlines. Flights are limited. Mountain Link is the public bus transportation provider in Flagstaff with Maroon Route 10 servicing the university. It does not appear the service is available for returning from late weekend evening games. A clear bag policy is stated but wasn’t enforced during the visit of this review. Not sure if that’s the case for all basketball games. Once inside, the concourse is plenty wide for the fan base and steps down to the court have hand rails. Bathrooms are clean and serviceable. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices listed range from $8 (GA) to $12 (reserved and premium reserved) plus an additional $4 fee per ticket. This is not an extra fee when purchasing game day; just an extra fee imposed by Northern Arizona University. The pricing is misleading as it does not include the extra fee. So, single-game pricing is really $12 - $16. NAU students get in free. NAU has giveaways on some nights so this might increase the return on your sports dollar. Parking is free and concession prices are very reasonable. Extras 3 Be sure to get a photo taken with the Lumberjack statue outside the east entrance. Trophies and photos of all NAU athletics line portions of the concourse’s Hall of Fame and banners hang from the rafters of the arena. Walkup Skydome is one of the highest NCAA basketball courts in the US with an elevation of 7000 feet above sea level. Final Thoughts Flagstaff is a quintessential college town with plenty of outdoor activities, local entertainment, cultural events, bars, breweries, and restaurants. Visiting an NAU basketball game isn’t high on the list of things to do but, if in town during the winter and spring, perhaps a visit to the Walkup Skydome might be in order just to say you did.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Albert Gersten Pavilion 1 LMU Drive Los Angeles, CA 90045 Loyola Marymount Lions website Albert Gersten Pavilion website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 4,156 The Pride of Loyola Marymount In 1987, the Loyola Marymount Lions basketball team began an improbable three-year run to new heights, reaching the NCAA tournament each season. Coached by Paul Westhead, the team featured Hank Gathers, who led the country in scoring and rebounding in 1988-89, and Bo Kimble running a high-octane offense that saw them average 122.4 points per game in 1989-90, a record that still stands today. Sadly, Gathers died after collapsing during a WCC tournament game that season, with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy the cause. Inspired and driven, the Lions went to the Elite Eight that year with Kimble leading the way, but since then, the program has fallen on hard times. Last season, the team made the semifinals of the College Basketball Invitational, so maybe things are looking up at Hank’s House, the unofficial nickname of Gersten Pavilion, where the Lions play. Regardless of the team’s future, Gersten is an overlooked gym in star-studded Los Angeles, and this review is here to show you that should most definitely not be the case. Food & Beverage 3 There is a single concession stand located in the spacious atrium between Gersten and the Burns Recreation Center. In addition to easing the flow inside the facility, having the concession outside allows fans to stretch and mingle during halftime, while enjoying the weather. There is a scoreboard that lets you know how long until the second half resumes, so you won’t miss a second of the action. In terms of food, there is a decent amount of choice here, with a combo (hot dog, beverage, and choice of chips, churro, ice cream, or a candy bar) a good deal at $10. Dogs are $5 otherwise, and there is an $8 featured dog that varies every game, though as I attended during the winter break, they didn’t have one that night. Other options include nachos for $6 ($4 more for the ultimate variety), street tacos for $2 (add a buck for the featured option) and pretzel bites with bacon and cheese for $7, while a regular pretzel is $5. The “Grab and Go” section includes a couple of sandwich varieties (chicken salad, turkey), a chicken Caesar salad, and a ham & cheese sub, each for $7. Snacks are typical, with popcorn, Red Vines, and ice cream at $4, while chips and king-sized candy bars are $3. Coca-Cola provides non-alcoholic beverages, with a bottled soda, PowerAde, or Smartwater all $4. Fountain sodas are a buck less; tea, hot chocolate, and coffee (iced and hot) can also be purchased for $3 or $4. They even sell beer here, with season ticket holders and students getting free suds, with a limit of 2. This isn’t just your generic swill, but craft beer provided by Santa Monica Brew Works. If you are not a member of either group, you will pay $9. Atmosphere 4 Gersten Pavilion is part of LMU’s athletics complex in the middle of campus, right next to the Burns Recreation Center. This is a surprisingly formidable looking combination of buildings, with the space between them an eerie outdoor atrium that looks more like a Star Wars rebel base than a college rec center. Opened in 1981 and named for Albert Gersten, father of LMU regent Albert Gersten, Jr., the facility used to be the occasional practice court for the Lakers and was the site for weightlifting at the 1984 Olympics. It has a capacity of 4,156, which has been exceeded on nine occasions. Inside the main entrance is a long hallway with the Spirit Store the only inhabitant. There are doors directly to the court from here, but those are restricted to courtside seat holders. Other fans will have to choose between the two staircases at either end of the hall. Inside, the gym is quite colorful, with one wall in blue and the other in red. This motif extends to the floor itself, where one key is red and the other blue; a good way to utilize both of the school’s colors. There is a clever transition between the two colors along the sidelines as red stripes get larger and blue stripes get smaller towards center court, and then reverse on the other side. There are also palm trees on the court, making it a unique floor in college hoops. It demonstrates that someone in the athletics department has a good sense of design and that is reflected throughout the venue. Banners are located in the rafters on each side of the court, again in blue and red. Retired jerseys, including Gathers’ #44, are on the north wall. The logos for the other schools in the WCC are tastefully displayed in white against an off-white background on the south wall, divided into two groups of five. In terms of seating, the west side lower level encompasses Sections 101-105 and each seat is a chair back with a cupholder in the armrest. Across the way in Sections 301-305, there are individual bench seats. The upper levels on both sides (201-205 on the west, 401-405 on the east) are wooden bleachers, but all seats are reserved. There are 4 rows of individual benches behind one basket but these are generally not available to fans; there is a DJ who sets up shop here and plays tunes before the game and at halftime. The scoreboard is two-sided and hangs above mid-court, while stats boards can be found directly behind each basket. The visitors are introduced to the Imperial Theme from Star Wars, while there is an inspirational video featuring Gathers before the home team is brought out. There are typical promos during timeouts such as tossed t-shirts and shot contests that keep fans entertained. Neighborhood 3 The LMU campus is located in the Westchester neighborhood, just north of LAX. There isn’t much within walking distance of the venue, though Benny’s Tacos & Chicken Rotisserie is at the corner of Manchester and Loyola Boulevard, and seems like a popular late-night spot for students. Just west of here is Lincoln Boulevard, which has a few chain options, as well as Kanpai, a sushi joint. If craft beer is your thing, try Three Weavers Brewing Company a few blocks east on Manchester. If you are an aviation enthusiast, the in-N-Out Burger at Sepulveda and Westchester is right next to a park where you can watch planes landing at LAX. Across the street is the Melody Bar & Grill. Any of the hotels next to LAX is a good spot to stay if you are only in town for the Lions, but if touring is your goal, you will probably want to stay closer to downtown. Of course, this area will undergo dramatic change over the next few years with the 2020 opening of SoFi Stadium, which lies about 5 miles east of Gersten Pavilion that will be home to both the Los Angeles Chargers and Rams. Fans 4 I attended a weekend game during winter break when only 670 fans showed up. It is not fair to base the ranking on that, so looking at ticket sales for upcoming matches and relying on past reviews, I see that LMU has a strong fan base, and a particularly strong student section, known as The Roar. Toward the end of the game, The Roar chants, “THIS IS HANK’S HOUSE,” another classy tribute to Hank Gathers. Access 4 Most fans drive but be aware that there are parking charges until 8 p.m. on weekdays. The first 40 minutes is $3, and every 20 minutes thereafter is another $3, to a daily maximum of $15, in other words, 6 bucks for the first hour and 9 for the second. You can find street parking in the residential area nearby if you happen to be attending a weeknight game, but as always, check signs. There are transit options: the #6 Culver City Bus costs $1 and plies the route from the LAX City Bus Center to UCLA, dropping you off on Sepulveda, from where you can walk about a mile and a half, or take a #3 bus to Benny’s and walk the remaining 10 minutes. Once inside the venue, there should be no problem getting around, as the atrium allows for fans to move outside during the break. Restrooms are small and there will probably be lineups during a sellout, but there were no issues on the night I attended. Return on Investment 4 Prices for all sections vary depending on opponent, as an example, the cheapest bleacher seats are $9 for San Diego, but these are $24 when #1 Gonzaga comes to town. This is still a good deal and with food reasonably priced, an affordable evening out. Of course, parking can add a bit, but there are options to avoid that charge. Extras 4 These staircases do have a few photos that are worth checking out; I liked how they are cut to match the bannister below. There is a Hank’s House plaque on the south wall, a nice touch for what is an unofficial nickname. A statue is also being funded and is expected to be revealed in the spring 2020 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Gathers’ passing. The overall design of the court deserves a point; it is something that I have not seen elsewhere in college hoops. Final Thoughts LMU lacks the national profile of other LA-based schools, but their gym is creative and different in many respects. Don’t overlook the Lions next time you are in LA, as they provide an equally entertaining alternative to some of the bigger college programs in the city.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex 414 Deacon Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Carolina Thunderbirds Website Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 4,000 Federal in Flight The Federal Prospects Hockey League is an independent professional league composed of 10 teams scattered across the Eastern seaboard. In 2017, the Carolina Thunderbirds joined the fray as an expansion franchise in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Named after a former ECHL team that played in Winston, the Thunderbirds have made their nest at the city’s Fairgrounds Annex. Completed in 1989, the Annex has hosted hockey on and off since its inception, staging teams in various independent and affiliated leagues. Food & Beverage 4 For such a small venue, the Annex has some amazing food options. You'll find a variety of items in the main lobby, including hot coffee, Orangeade, popcorn, Dippin' Dots, shaved ice, many different types of beers, and even fresh pork skins. Polish sausage is the one fairly unique option and is available for $7. There's also a Farm Made Ice Cream stand that scoops out rotating flavors into a cup or cone for $5. Labatt Blue Beer and Bud Light are the primary alcoholic beverages on tap, but a local brewery called Fiddlin' Fish also has a stand where they offer up some of their craft beer. The national beers are available for $7.50 in cans or bottles. Pepsi is served throughout the complex. You can even grab some Chick-fil-A at the rink, as popular menu selections such as the Original Chicken Sandwich are available for $6.25. Atmosphere 3 "The prescription" is prevalent at the Fairgrounds, as it is in most hockey arenas in the South, meaning you'll be hearing more cowbell all night long. You’ll also likely hear the Thunderbirds' goal horn a lot; it sounds similar to a loud diesel engine, echoing throughout the rink. Overall, most of the game day atmosphere is created by the fans in the stands. The environment that the Thunderbirds organization tries to create just seems stale. The PA announcer is more casual than at most arenas, acting more like a radio broadcaster than anything else. The music played during stoppages in play appears to be picked at random and is generally poorly timed, ending a dozen seconds or so after puck drop. If these small annoyances can be ignored, you’ll have a great time watching quality hockey. The Fairgrounds Annex itself is a decent barn with an overtly ‘80s feel. The building resembles a local skating rink and the aging facility looks like it belongs at a middle school. The main concourse in particular appears to have not changed since it was built in 1989. If the Thunderbirds, as a winning franchise on the ice, want to remain in Winston-Salem long-term, the Annex might need some upgrades. Neighborhood 2 The Annex is located in an athletic complex that’s home to three of Wake Forest University’s stadiums. Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, home to Demon Deacons basketball, is next door. BB&T Field, Wake’s football venue, is diagonally from the Annex, while Couch Ballpark, home to the Deacs’ baseball program, is right across the road. Outside of the athletic facilities nearby, there isn’t anything in the area worth seeing. In fact, the surrounding neighborhoods are fairly run-down. Anything of interest is going to be several miles away in either downtown Winston-Salem or the suburban retail spots. Fans 4 The Thunderbirds have produced a very good brand of hockey since joining the league, culminating in a Commissioner's Cup win during the 2018-19 season. In addition to being crowned champions of the league, Carolina also set a lofty league record of 24 consecutive wins that season. This success has translated to the gate, where the T-Birds have set multiple single-game and single-season attendance records. The team continues to pack The Annex each home game, resulting in an electric game day atmosphere. In addition to horns and cowbells, fans in Winston were quick to adopt the famous “you suck!” chants made popular by some NHL fan bases. All told, a night at the Fairgrounds is going to be crowded and LOUD. Access 4 The Fairgrounds Annex is located near the athletic facilities of Wake Forest University on Deacon Boulevard just north of downtown Winston-Salem. The city is reachable from the east and west off of Interstate 40 and its business spur, though the latter has been closed in many spots for construction. Avoid this road if you can. Interstate 74 is also expected to pass through the area once it's completed in the near future. US-52 is the proposed path of I-74 and will likely be your main pathway to the Fairgrounds if you’re coming from the north or south. There’s ample parking in the massive lots next to the Annex and the adjoining LJVM Coliseum. For the 2019-20 season, parking is free. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets for Thunderbirds home games start at $9. They can be purchased in advance on Ticketmaster, but you’ll wind up forking over another $6 in fees. Your best bet is to just get your tickets on game day at the box office to avoid extra charges. Parking is free and the food items at The Annex are fairly priced. Game programs are $5, which is pretty steep for an independent hockey team. If you’re not a program collector, skip them entirely. A family of four could easily enjoy a hockey night in Winston for around $80. Extras 3 The Annex has a little merchandise stand in the corner of the main lobby, a nice touch. The hallways of the concourse are also adorned with Winston-Salem hockey history, dating as far back as the sport’s beginnings in the region in 1973. Finally, the team’s mascot (appropriately named Winston) is frequently seen roaming the concourse and stands. Final Thoughts While The Annex isn’t the most desirable place to watch a game, the product on display each and every night outweighs the venue’s shortcomings. If you like hockey, you’ll like hockey in Winston-Salem.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Desert Financial Arena 634 E Veterans Way Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Desert Financial Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 14,198 Forks Up The Arizona State University Sun Devil basketball team participates in the Pac-12 conference and plays their home games at the seasoned Desert Financial Arena, formerly called the Wells Fargo Arena, and the ASU Activity Center in Tempe, Arizona. Opened in 1974, the arena hosts not only Sun Devil men’s and women’s basketball but also the volleyball, wrestling, and gymnastics teams of ASU. Concerts, graduations, and shows also fill the stands at the venue. The ASU men’s basketball team has appeared in the NCAA Tournament 16 times (most recently in 2018-2019) including three Elite Eight. Though team names have changed, the school colors have remained maroon and gold since 1898. The school team name began as Normal (1885 – 1921), changing to Bulldog (1922 – 1945), and then switching the name to Sun Devil during Phoenix’s growth after WWII. I have been told Sun Devil is not just the name of the university’s sports teams. Nor is it strictly the name of a person involved with ASU athletics. It’s everyone who has ever attended ASU. Food & Beverage 3 Desert Financial Arena provides standard sports venue concessions. Nothing out of the ordinary but enough to satisfy a hungry fan. Several permanent concession stands dot the concourse. They offer super dogs, bratwurst, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, cotton candy, peanuts, candy, etc. Prices range from $5 – $11. Coca-Cola is the soda of choice and runs $6 – $25 (for a refillable cup). Chick-fil-A ($8.50 for a sandwich – very pricey for just the sandwich), Blue Bell ice cream ($4 – $10), old-fashioned kettle corn, and old-time lemonade have carts on the concourse selling their wares. Beer began being sold at the college arena beginning the 2018-2019 season. Offered at separate tables throughout the concourse, cans of Coors, Coors Light, Miller, Four Peaks, Henry’s Sparkling Water, and wine run $9 cash or credit. Honest, with all the tremendous numbers of restaurants just a block or two or three away in Tempe, skip eating at the arena and spend your refreshment money in downtown. A decent merchandise shop is at the east entrance for souvenir needs including hat pins, pennants, jerseys, and shirts. Atmosphere 4 Attending a men’s ASU basketball game is an absolutely, enjoyable few hours of sports entertainment. A perfect-sized, center-hung video scoreboard shows game replays, score, time, half, time outs left, and fouls. Two matrix boards hang from the ceiling on each end of the court which shows player on-court stats. Two levels of seating are provided with a walkway between the two. Fans enter the walkway. The lower level runs up to 22 rows with the row closest to walkway #22. The upper level begins at about row 23 and increases up to about row 43. Handrails are not available on any of the stairways so for those with step concerns try to get a seat in row 22. There are, of course, wheelchair and handicapped areas. All seats are red, fold-down stadium-style seats with no cup holders. Player banners, team championships, and year to the NCAA tournaments for all ASU sports (wrestling, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics) hang from the ceiling. At half time and during time outs, Sun Devils history trivia is displayed. For example, the video board will show the stats of athletic alumni, and fans need to guess who it is. Cheerleaders (now called the spirit squad) perform during breaks and halftime. Promotions are not overdone as the focus is on the game. The exterior is cement, though not bad looking, and has beautiful southwestern landscaped outdoor walkways and plaza areas (palm trees, cacti, palo verde, etc). Plenty of benches are available to sit and wait for friends or the gates to open. More venues should do this. Neighborhood 5 Arizona State University has one of the best neighborhoods for its athletic facilities. Desert Financial Arena is located directly next to Sun Devil Stadium (ASU football), and the majority of the rest of its athletic facilities are right in the same area in Tempe. Downtown Tempe is just a short walk away, and is the place to go pretty much all the time when you’re at ASU, but especially on game days. Whatever kind of food or atmosphere or price is desired, downtown Tempe has it. It’s one of those places where one could go to a different restaurant or bar before every ASU basketball game and still not see everything by the end of the season. Snooze an AM Eatery is always a good place for breakfast/brunch, as is Chompie’s Restaurant. A Buffalo Wild Wings is close by. Devil’s Advocate Sports Grill is certainly one of the more popular options among ASU fans. Less than a mile away (or one light rail stop) is Mill Ave home to all varieties of restaurants and bars. Four Peaks Brewing, Sleep Dog Saloon & Brewery, and The Beer Shop are 1 ½ – 2 miles from the arena. About a mile northeast of Desert Financial Arena is Tempe Marketplace, which has even more restaurants and shops, as well as a movie theater. Hotels within walking distance of the arena include Residence Inn by Marriott Tempe Downtown/University, Tempe Mission Palms Hotel, and Conference Center, or Courtyard by Marriott Tempe Downtown. There’re plenty more to choose from just a light rail stop or two away. Other things to see or do in Tempe include the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Gardens, and the Arizona State University Art Museum. Other sports to visit during basketball season in Tempe include Sun Devil football and baseball and spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium or Sloan Park. A little further away, basketball fans can visit the Talking Stick Resort Arena and see the Phoenix Suns, or just a tad north visit Grand Canyon University Antelopes basketball at Grand Canyon University Arena. Fans 3 Fan attendance and enthusiasm have grown tremendously since the hiring of coach Bobby Hurley in 2015. Average attendance for a men’s basketball game in 2015 was 5,807; in 2018 that number grew to 10,538 and it doesn’t appear to be digressing. Cheering and groans can be heard for the duration of the game depending on the Sun Devil's action on the court. Chants of “Let’s Go Devils” and “A-S-U” erupt throughout the 40 minutes. Fans stand and cheer for the first two minutes of the first half and at least one minute of the second half. The student section called the 942 Crew, sits behind one basket in sections K – P (K1 – P1 on the upper level). A large pep band is a focal point of the section. And, the fans in the student section do what they do: hold up poster faces of people, wave colorful foam sticks/tubes, and make noise when an opposing player shoots a free throw. The ASU student body has embraced a tradition called the Curtain of Distraction. Individuals (sometimes famous stars) come out from a portable black curtain in colorful colors (or minimal clothing) and make moves an opposing shooter would surely be distracted by. It’s crazy funny and such a hoot to watch. Access 4 Getting to and around Desert Financial Arena is relatively easy and it is close to the interchange of Loop 101 and Loop 202. Take the Rural/Scottsdale exit on Loop 202. Two garages are within a block: one on Packard Dr (northeast side of the arena) and the other off E Veterans Way near S College Ave and 6th Street. Parking is $10 for a men’s basketball game. An excellent option is to take the Valley Metro Light Rail ($4 for an all-day pass/$2 for seniors) and get off at the Veterans Way/College Ave stop. Walk a block east past Sun Devil Stadium to the arena. Easy. Uber/Lyft drop off and pick up is at the west entrance on E Veterans Way – the same side as the light rail. The box office is on the west side as well. The City of Tempe offers free rides via their Orbit Shuttle service with stops adjacent to the Valley Metro Light Rail stop. The nearest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, about a 15 min drive to Desert Financial Arena. Fans can take the Valley Metro Light Rail directly from the airport to the arena and downtown Tempe. Concourses are plenty wide but can still get congested at halftime during games when the crowd is at full capacity. The clear bag policy is enforced here, as it is at all ASU sports facilities. They looked seriously at my bag but getting through security is not an issue when bringing acceptable items. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $10 – $75 depending on team and seat location, with prices going up drastically for instate-rivals Arizona Wildcats games. Parking is $10 for games and Light Rail service is $4. It is an enjoyable game day experience so the bang for your buck is worth your sports dollar entertainment. Extras 4 Arizona State University Sports Hall of Fame – Photos are affixed to the concourse walls honoring all ASU athletes who made a difference. Trophy cases adorn parts of the concourse featuring the many accolades of the ASU sports teams. Staff – The folks at the box office, usher(s), merchandise attendants, and concession staff are all extremely pleasant and helpful. Some other sports venues should take lessons from this support team. Well done. The curtain of Distraction – Look for them below the student section during the second half. It’s hilarious. Prohibited Items – The current logo for ASU is a pitchfork developed by Nike in 2011. On the list of prohibited items is a pitchfork (metal, wood, plastic). Not sure how many other basketball venues can claim *that* as a prohibited item. Final Thoughts While football at Arizona State University is still the predominant sport, the basketball team is making a name for itself. Visiting the Desert Financial Arena is quite an entertaining afternoon or evening out so if in the Phoenix area, make an effort to check it out.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Jerry Richardson Stadium 8701 Phillips Rd Charlotte, NC 28223 Charlotte 49ers website Jerry Richardson Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 15,314 Sitting on a Gold Mine The University of North Carolina at Charlotte didn’t have a football program until 2008. That’s when the Board of Trustees commissioned a new team for the school, along with a brand-new $45 million stadium. This venue would soon be named for local benefactor and former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. The Charlotte 49ers, who began play in the fall of 2013, joined the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2015 after a two-year stint in FCS. Charlotte now competes in Conference USA, and it’s quickly become clear that their 15,314-seat facility is one of the best in the conference. Food & Beverage 4 Richardson Stadium offers dishes from two of the region’s most popular chicken chains: Bojangles’ and Chick-fil-A. The prices at both of these booths are pretty fair, though slightly inflated. For example, a box of Bojangles’ chicken supremes is $8. Among some of the more traditional items are hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, grilled chicken, corn dogs, pretzels, and peanuts. But the highlight of the dining experience at the stadium is undoubtedly the barbecue sandwich. This is Carolina, after all, so be sure to grab one for $6 during your visit. Fair foods such as funnel cakes and cotton candy are also available. Coca-Cola is the beverage served throughout and is priced at $3. Or, you can buy a souvenir cup for $5 and get free refills all day long. Bottled water is $3.50. Domino’s Pizza is also offered, along with stadium staple Dippin’ Dots. Atmosphere 3 The color green is extremely prevalent on the UNC-Charlotte campus, from the trees of late summer to the seats at Jerry Richardson Stadium and beyond. On football Saturdays, a few thousand folks show up to the field decked in their 49er green best. After each Charlotte score, green fireworks are set off from the field house behind the southeast end zone. This definitely contributes to the “flare” of The Mine. The 49ers’ mascot, Norm the Niner, also makes regular appearances both in the stands and on the field. The intimacy of Jerry Richardson Stadium really adds to its small town feel, despite being located near the 16th largest city in the country. The venue’s horseshoe shape provides an excellent view of the surrounding buildings on campus, creating a sort of homey and academic atmosphere. This, however, isn’t a permanent feature, as the stadium is designed in such a way that the seating bowl can be expanded and decks added as the program grows. Neighborhood 4 The Niners home field is located on the west side of campus, near the other athletic facilities at the university. If you want to explore anything in the general vicinity, it’s generally just a short walk away. It’s an even shorter drive to the nearby restaurants and shops, which mostly include chain retailers on Tryon Street, University City Boulevard and JW Clay Boulevard. The region’s only IKEA store is just a few miles from campus and offers a full restaurant and snack bar in addition to the furniture goods on display. But perhaps the best perk of Richardson Stadium’s location on-campus is its proximity to the LYNX Light Rail system, which provides speedy service to Uptown Charlotte, the hip NoDa neighborhood, and the revitalized South End. All three offer a variety of dining and nightlife options just a 20-minute train ride from campus. The nearest stop, JW Clay Station, offers a 5-level parking deck for those wishing to drive, but is also easily accessible on foot via footpaths. From the stadium’s main gate, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the light rail platform. Fans 3 The Charlotte 49ers are not an elite football team by any measure, and often find themselves in the middle of the Conference USA rankings. This doesn’t give fans much to cheer about on game days, but the program is still in its youth. Pre-game, you’ll see lots of gold, black, and green outside the stadium in an impressive tailgating display. The smell of food wafts through the air just outside the main gate, surely stemming from one of the many tents set up nearby. Cornhole is a popular activity, as well as general mingling and socializing. It’s almost as if pre-gaming is just as important to the fans as the football game itself. While the crowd sticks with the team through thick and thin, they’re not usually loud or vivacious in any way. But you can be sure, whether the weather is good or whether the weather is bad, true Niners fans will cheer on their guys on the gridiron each and every Saturday. Access 3 Due to limited parking on campus, finding a spot to leave your car can be very tricky. Gameday permits are available for purchase in advance of the game, and are valid at the Union Deck, West Deck, North Deck, CRI Deck, Lot 11A/21 and Lot 25. There’s also a dedicated football shuttle, operated by Niner Transit, that has stops at the many different parking areas on campus. This bus service will take you directly to the main gate of Richardson Stadium if you choose to park in one of these lots. A word to the wise: do your parking research well in advance. If not, you could be stuck handing over $20 cash to park at the Cone Deck. UNCC is served, as mentioned earlier, by the LYNX Light Rail Blue Line, which has a stop at JW Clay Boulevard and is just a 10-minute walk away. The parking garage at this station is your best option for gameday parking, as it is both free and secure. Charlotte-Douglas International Airport is about 20 minutes away by car and is serviced by most of the major North American airlines. Interstates 85, 485, and 77 are close to campus as well, providing access to Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Virginia in the north and Columbia, Greenville and Atlanta in the south. Return on Investment 3 Single-game ticket prices vary depending on the opponent and how far in advance you purchase your tickets. General admission seats are generally between $10-$25 and are located behind the northwest goalpost. If you’d like to sit on the sideline, expect to fork over between $20-$40 per ticket. Parking prices vary anywhere from $0 to $20, but it all depends on what lot you choose to use. Concessions are reasonably priced, but a full meal adds up fast. All totaled, you could be looking at $20 or more, per person. The Niners do have one interesting option that could save you some dough. The “Extra Point Package”, which includes four tickets, four meal vouchers and free parking, is occasionally available for $65. That’s a bargain when you add everything up. Without this package, a family of four could be looking at spending more than $200 on a single Niners game. Extras 2 Although it doesn’t have much to do with the stadium itself, the 49ers football team has earned an extra point for reaching the Bahamas Bowl in 2019. Despite losing their first-ever bowl game, their appearance in Nassau could mean that the program is trending upwards. This could result in a better gameday atmosphere, more fans, and an overall better experience in Charlotte down the road. While current attendance figures don’t demand a large venue, Richardson Stadium was built with the capability to be expanded up to a total capacity of about 40,000. A larger facility would be nice to see at some point in the future. Final Thoughts The ACC has dominated North Carolina in both basketball and football for a very long time. UNC-Charlotte is aiming to compete with this legendary powerhouse by putting both their school and Conference USA on the national map. With an infant football program and a modern stadium behind them, a gold mine of opportunities awaits the 49ers.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Calihan Hall 4001 W McNichols Rd Detroit, MI 48221 Detroit Mercy Titans website Calihan Hall website Year Opened: 1952 Capacity: 7,917 Have Mercy! One of College Basketball’s hidden gems is Calihan Hall at the University of Detroit Mercy. In 1877, Detroit College was established and in 1941 the Sisters of Mercy opened Mercy College of Detroit. Both schools were consolidated in 1990 to become the University of Detroit Mercy. A small school with an enrollment of just over 5,000 students, UDM has been playing college basketball since 1905. The Memorial Building was opened in 1952 to further the athletic pursuits of the renamed University of Detroit. The first basketball All-American for the Titans would be Bob Calihan, who would later go on to be the winningest coach in school history. He would see the opening of the facility as coach which would be renamed in his honor in 1977. Another former Detroit Mercy coach was the famous Dick Vitale who would lead UDM to the 1977 NCAA tournament with a 21-game winning streak. His run from 1973 to 1977 would lead him to become head coach of the Detroit Pistons and later a signature college basketball announcer. The court at Calihan Hall would be renamed after Dick Vitale in 2011. Along with Bob Calihan and Dick Vitale, Detroit Mercy would see Detroit basketball royalty run through Calihan Hall in the form of NBA Hall of Famer Dave DeBusschere. Past successes that the Detroit Mercy Titans have enjoyed and basketball celebrities who have walked through the doors are just footnotes in the aura that is Calihan Hall. An old school facility, which just oozes history, Calihan Hall makes fans long for a bunch more friends to share the experience and really make it legendary. Food & Beverage 3 Calihan Hall does not provide the greatest of culinary experiences. However, what is available is definitely affordable. The menu is very limited and includes hot dogs, sausage, nachos, popcorn, pizza and various other snacks. Pizza comes from local provider, Happy’s Pizza. Soda and Powerade is also available with Coca-Cola products on the menu. The top menu item goes for $4 and soda is a bargain at $2 or $3. There is not a ton of variety, but what is available can definitely be had for a good price. Atmosphere 4 The humble exterior of Calihan Hall should not be overstated. Built like a classic hockey barn, Calihan Hall’s white and red exterior definitely helps show its age but being built in the fifties is a far cry from the drab buildings that were built decades later. Entering the building from the south is the best plan and it leads to a modest concourse with plenty of treasure hunting that can be done. The Titans Athletic Hall of Fame is right in the front and well worth exploring. A significant display for NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit’s favorite son, Dave DeBusschere can be found in the front. Also, not to be missed is the display for the court dedication to former coach and ESPN broadcasting legend Dick Vitale. Inside the seating bowl, endless possibilities are immediately evident. Calihan Hall is clearly a venue that would top the charts if full. The court runs from north to south with courtside seating on temporary, modern bleachers on all four sides of the court. The main seating area is well above the courtside seats and the pitch is very steep, lending itself to fantastic sight lines. Old-school, wooden, stadium seats in red or blue surround the court. Choosing a seat on the west side will give a perfect view of the center-court logo. The arched roof keeps all the noise in and lends to the atmosphere. NCAA banners hang above the north side including six NCAA tournament appearances, nine NIT appearances and the 2001 NIT Final Four. Red banners for the Horizon League hang at the south end including the 1994, 1999 and 2012 tournament championships and 1998 and 1999 Conference championships. The retired numbers of Rashad Phillips, Terry Duerod, Terry Tyler, Spencer Haywood, John Long, Dave DeBusschere and Bob Calihan hang proudly among the conference championships. Above center court hangs a four-sided video scoreboard which combines video and classic basketball statistics. The game day production at a Titans game is what can be expected at a college basketball game. Students run across the court with flags to lead off the play at the beginning of each half. The cheerleaders are at one end and the dance team are at the other and both cheer on the Titans and perform during stoppages. The small, but mighty Titans pep band plays from the north end or Section 313. If the stands were full, Calihan Hall would be amazing. Neighborhood 3 The McNichols campus of University of Detroit Mercy is where Calihan Hall can be found. It is located in the Martin Park neighborhood of Detroit. The campus is very nice but surrounded by wrought iron fences and a security gate. It is a clear statement on the surrounding neighborhood. Not the nicest area for sure, there are a number of spots that fans can find something to eat. Probably not high-class establishments, but a number of spots to find a quick, cheap bite to eat. Lou’s Deli, Uptown BBQ and Soulfood, UofD Coney Island, Manhattan Fish and Chicken, Nicky D’s Coney Island and Lucki’s Cheesecakes are all within the immediate area of campus. Detroit is full of other sporting options, which will require a trip in the car to get to. Little Caesars Arena is the home of the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL and Detroit Pistons of the NBA. Not far from LCA are Comerica Park and Ford Field, the respective homes of the Detroit Tigers of MLB and Detroit Lions of the NFL. For other college spots, nearby Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and Rochester host Eastern Michigan University, University of Michigan and Oakland University. Other entertainment options would include the Greektown and Motor City Casinos. For fans that are looking for some accommodations, there are not many options. Fans should consider heading downtown and the Inn at 97 Winder and the Hilton Garden Downtown are decent choices. Fans 2 Unfortunately, poor results on the court lately have curtailed Detroit sports fans from making it to Calihan Hall. The Titans have averaged between 1,200 and 1,500 fans per game from the 2018 to 2020 seasons. This has ranked near the bottom of the Horizon League in attendance with the Titans topping out at 7th place in the 10-team conference. The game that was reviewed admittedly was at the beginning of the Winter Break and the majority of students were away. However, the fans that were in attendance would definitely be considered die-hards. They are few, but pretty loud and supportive of Detroit Mercy. The game to circle on the schedule for the best experience would be the conference and local rival Oakland Golden Grizzlies game, which easily brings in the biggest crowd of the season. Access 4 Calihan Hall is located on the McNichols Campus of the University of Detroit Mercy in the Martin Park neighborhood of Detroit. It is encircled by a few major roads including Livernois and McNichols Ave. The John C. Lodge Freeway is just south of campus and the neighborhood is northwest of downtown Detroit. Getting to the campus is not difficult and the arena is found on campus, past the security gates. Depending on where fans are coming from, some travel through the city streets may be required, but traffic is not normally an issue. There is plenty of parking available on campus, right outside of Calihan Hall. Parking will run $5. There are two entries at the south end of Calihan Hall. Tickets are available on either side and lineups are not an issue. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Detroit Mercy Titans game is the definition of affordability. Tickets for adults will run for $10 to $15 with discounts for seniors, kids, and staff available. UDM students can get into the game for free. Parking on campus will run $5 and the concession prices are excellent. Combine the low investment with the opportunity to watch Division I College Basketball in one of the hidden gems of a venue and fans can’t complain about the return on investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the potential for an amazing, old school experience at Calihan Hall. An extra mark for the basketball royalty like Dick Vitale and Dave DeBusschere who have gone through Calihan Hall. An extra mark for that Fencing National Championship banner hanging from the rafters. Final Thoughts Calihan Hall and the Detroit Mercy Titans are most definitely not one of the top programs in the country. However, Calihan Hall is a unique facility and one that true fans really need to take in. It would be amazing to see what a Detroit Mercy Titans game would be like with a full gym. Have Mercy! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram.

Photos by Matt Fiedler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Yankee Stadium 1 E 161st St Bronx, NY 10451 Pinstripe Bowl website Yankee Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 52,325 Pigskin and Pinstripes The Pinstripe Bowl was inaugurated in 2010 and pits an ACC team against a Big 10 team. The game has been played at Yankee Stadium since its inception. The Pinstripe Bowl is a rarity as it is in a cold weather city and takes place at a baseball stadium. The only other bowl game that takes place at a baseball stadium is the Cheez-It Bowl at Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Next year (2020), there will be three bowls at baseball stadiums as Fenway Park is set to host a bowl game. Yankee Stadium is a unique place to host a game. Fans can see goalposts and cheerleaders while also gazing at Monument Park. The organizers of the event do a great job of melding football with the historic aura of Yankee Stadium. A football game being held at a must-see venue like Yankee Stadium is a recipe for success. Food & Beverage 5 Yankee Stadium has food for every taste. In New York City you can get any type of cuisine you desire, so it’s fitting that Yankee Stadium offers such a wide variety. Those looking for essentials like popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, candy, and nachos will find them in spades. One of the highlights at Yankee Stadium is the Buffalo Wild Wings stand. Located in section 107, it serves both boneless and traditional wings with a wide variety of sauces. Another new location that opened in 2019 at the stadium is the Benihana stand. The stand is in section 127 and serves traditional hibachi favorites like steak, chicken, and shrimp bowls. Other must see stands are the Jersey Mikes stand which serves various sub sandwiches, and the Lobel’s stand which serves prime steak sandwiches. Yankee Stadium also has many vegetarian and vegan options. There are plenty of salads, pretzels, and peanuts located throughout the stadium. A popular vegan spot is Bareburger in section 132. This stand serves the Beyond Sausage sandwich and also serves black bean burgers. In terms of beverages, you won’t find Coca-Cola as Yankee Stadium is a Pepsi venue. If you’re looking for an adult beverage, there are several bars throughout the stadium including the Franks Red Hot Terrace and the Toyota Terrace in center field. You can find a variety of mixed drinks, wine, and craft beer throughout the park. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Yankee Stadium is truly a unique experience. Since it is not a natural football venue, you get some different angles and points of view than you would normally have. Looking around the stadium you see foul poles, the short porch in right field, the flags waving at the top of the stadium. As you stroll the concourse you see the memorials of former Yankee greats and monuments of the 27 championships that they won. Throughout the game fans are serenaded by the bands of the schools that are playing in the game. At halftime the marching bands perform on the field and really hammer home the traditional atmosphere of a college football game. When the bands aren’t playing, there is plenty of stadium music and organ music as well. Another great element is the huge video board in center field that shows you all the info you need for the game. The down and distance are shown as well as a video of the game. The down and distance and game time are also show on the video “ribbon” that stretches around the stadium. Neighborhood 3 Yankee Stadium is in the Bronx, which is one of the five boroughs that make up New York City. The Bronx itself has a reputation as a bit of a rough area, but things have gotten a bit better over time. Also, if you attend the Pinstripe Bowl or a game at Yankee Stadium in general, there will be plenty of NYPD officers around to keep the peace and make sure everyone stays safe. A short subway ride downtown will give you access to the boundless attractions that NYC has to offer. Fine dining, theater, museums, and many other attractions can be found within the five boroughs. Some of the biggest attractions in NYC include the Statue of Liberty, the MET, Lincoln Center, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Bronx Zoo. Of course, there is also any kind of cuisine you can imagine as well as specialty stores like M&M World and tons of other stores and museums. Fans 3 The weird thing about bowl games is that you get different teams each year, which means you also get different fans and different types of fans. There are many historic and exciting fan bases in both the ACC and the Big Ten so the chances are good that the fan bases will show up. The 2019 matchup featured Michigan State and Wake Forest. There was a large contingent from both schools and that allowed for a good back and forth between the fans. The fans were also very respectful towards each other. It was a friendly back and forth that went on throughout the game. The fans were also very knowledgeable about their teams, and they also seemed to acknowledge and have a great respect for the history of Yankee Stadium. The attendance at the 2019 game was 36,895, the 2018 attendance was 37,821, and the 2017 attendance was 37,667. Those attendance figures put the Pinstripe Bowl in the higher level of attendance for non-New Year’s Six bowls. Access 4 Getting to Yankee Stadium isn’t too tough, especially if you take public transportation. Yankee Stadium can be accessed via the NY subway system or by the Metro North train system. If you’re in downtown, you can take the 4, 5 or 6 train uptown to the 161st Street Yankee Stadium stop. You can also take the Hudson Line on Metro North to Yankees East 153rd Street. The tougher way to get to Yankee Stadium is braving the NYC traffic and driving into the stadium. You can find parking lots near the stadium for $20-$30. However, Stadium Journey still recommends taking public transportation into the game. It’s easier and less of a hassle than enduring the traffic and general gridlock of NYC. Once inside the stadium, it is very easy to get around. The concourse is laid out in a very neat way and it is also very spacious. Even with full concession lines, it is easy to walk around the entirety of the concourse at field level. The bathrooms are also very spacious and never feel crowded even with a large amount of people in them. Return on Investment 3 The Pinstripe Bowl is one of the pricier non-New Year’s Six bowls. The average cost of tickets for the 2019 game was $139 and were as low as $82. That’s a pretty steep price especially when you add in the expensive concessions and parking or public transportation. However, the quality of football is good and seeing a game at Yankee Stadium is a unique experience. The experience of seeing a football game at Yankee Stadium helps to alleviate the high price of entry and concessions. Be prepared to shell out over $200 if you choose to come to the Pinstripe Bowl. Extras 3 One star goes to the wide variety of food and beverage options at Yankee Stadium. From Benihana to Buffalo Wild Wings to Jersey Mikes subs, there is no expense spared in bringing in high end food options for fans to enjoy. A second star goes to the sense of history and memories that fans encounter at Yankee Stadium. The pictures and memorials of Yankee legends and championships really adds an extra layer of historical weight to Yankee Stadium and the Pinstripe Bowl. A final star goes to the crew and staff at both Yankee Stadium and the Pinstripe Bowl. They are all very helpful and friendly. There are staff all around the stadium that can point you in the right direction and do so with a smile. Final Thoughts Yankee Stadium is an iconic venue for sports fans. Every fan should visit at least once in their lifetime. The history and tradition of the Yankees is evident throughout the stadium. The Pinstripe Bowl is a unique experience that brings football and baseball together. It is on the pricey side though so be prepared to spend $200 or more. If you can find a relatively cheap ticket, Stadium Journey would recommend that you check out the Pinstripe Bowl if you’re looking for something to do in late December in NYC or you just want to visit Yankee Stadium.

Photos by Paul Baker,, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Danbury Ice Arena 1 Independence Way Danbury, CT 06810 Danbury Hat Tricks website Danbury Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 3,000 Hat City Hockey No story about professional hockey in the city of Danbury, Connecticut can be told without first mentioning James Galante and the Danbury Trashers. In 2004 Galante was awarded an expansion hockey team in the United Hockey League. Needing a place to play, he renovated the local community rink, the Danbury Ice Arena, using three million dollars of his own money. He named the team the Trashers after his waste management company and installed his 17-year-old son A.J. as general manager. The roster resembled something from the movie Slap Shot and the team soon became known for their physical, intimidating style of play and frenzied fan support. Unfortunately, things unraveled when Galante became the focus of an FBI investigation for fraud, extortion, racketeering, tax fraud and conspiracy. The Trashers were found to be guilty of salary cap violations and the team folded when Galante was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. Sports Illustrated, ESPN and the Atlantic have done features on the Galantes and the Trashers. Rumors circulate that there is a movie in the works about the Trashers. Since the Trashers folded in 2006, a bunch of teams have tried the fill the hockey void in Danbury. The Stars of the New England Hockey League, the Mad Hatters of the Eastern Professional Hockey League and the Whalers and Titans of the Federal Prospects Hockey League all had varying degrees of success in western Connecticut. On May 7, 2019 the new owners of the Danbury Ice Arena were awarded an expansion franchise in the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The FPHL is a low-level developmental minor hockey league that serves as a feeder league to the ECHL, SPHL and European leagues. Food & Beverage 4 Community rinks often have sneaky-good concession options, and the Danbury Ice Arena is no exception. With the facility in use almost continuously, the need for all kinds of snack and beverage options is obvious. The “Rabbit Hole” does not disappoint. Danbury Ice Arena Snack Bar, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey The menu offers a good variety of arena fare, including hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, pizza slices, chicken strips, nachos and Jersey Mike’s subs. Any item can be turned into a combo meal with the addition of fries and a drink. Fans looking for just a snack can choose from pretzels, popcorn, mozzarella sticks and french fries, or they can select from an array of cookies, candy, pop-tarts and numerous other treats. Tucked away in a corner inside the arena is a cart operated by The Ice Cream Guy featuring a variety of Longford Ice Cream flavors. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Danbury Ice Arena in both fountain and bottled form. Fans looking for an adult beverage can choose from a wide selection of beers and mixed drinks at both the concession window and the Rabbit Hole bar in the lobby. Budweiser, Bud Light, Amstel Light and Coors are available on draft. Connecticut hockey fans will definitely want to try the New Haven Nighthawk Light beer sold at the Rabbit Hole bar. Fans can purchase pitchers of beer at the bar and bring them into the arena to enjoy while watching the game. It’s not a bit surprising to see that many fans take advantage of this great deal. Atmosphere 3 The Hat Trick staff put on a pretty entertaining show. While the Danbury Ice Arena is a pretty old-school, bare-bones facility, there’s still enough going on to keep the casual fan entertained. There is an emcee who wanders the stands throughout the game leading promotions and interacting with the fans. The Hat Tricks are well-connected with the local community, with giveaways to several local businesses and restaurants scattered throughout the night. Intermissions feature games including battle-ball hockey and shots on goal for prizes. It’s interesting how a facility with no video scoreboard incorporates dance and kiss cams. An interesting promotion that happens every game is the Carrot Toss, where fans can purchase a bag of three stuffed carrots for five dollars. After the first Hat Trick goal, fans throw their carrots on the ice, with the closest to the center ice dot winning a cash prize. We’re not sure what would happen if the Hat Tricks ever got shut out. The fans in section 102 hang right over the visiting bench and do their best to distract and annoy the guests. While their antics are a far cry from the vulgarity of the Trashers days, it’s definitely more of a PG-13 type of crowd than in other parts of the building. There’s a nice buzz going on inside the Danbury Ice Arena, especially for a building of its size. Neighborhood 3 Danbury is a small city with a population of just over 85,000 located on the Connecticut/New York state line. For a while in the late 19th and early 20th centuries Danbury was known as the center of the American Hat Industry. In 2015 USA Today named Danbury as the second-best city to live in the United States. The Danbury Ice Arena is located downtown, near several points of interest for visitors. The Danbury Railway Museum is located nearby, as is the campus of Western Connecticut State University. Fans looking for a good pregame spot to eat should check out Two Steps Downtown Grille located near the arena, or TK’s American Café, which features over 70 flavors of chicken wings. Fans 3 The Hat Tricks are averaging just over 1,100 fans per game a couple of months into their inaugural season, which lands them in the top half of the FPHL attendance rankings. Crowds appear to be picking up as the team enjoys success, as the game attended by Stadium Journey featured a crowd of over 2,000 fans. While some fans appear to be trying to maintain some of the rowdy traditions of the Trashers days, parents can feel comfortable bringing the family here. Fans in Danbury are proud of their small city’s hockey history, and jerseys from all the former Danbury teams can be seen throughout the crowd. Access 3 The city of Danbury is located in southwestern Connecticut on the New York State line. New York City is located about 70 miles to the southwest, and Hartford is located 60 miles to the northeast. The Connecticut coastal cities of New Haven and Bridgeport are about 30 miles to the south. Interstate 84 passes through Danbury about 2 miles from Danbury Ice Arena. The rink is well-connected to public transportation, with several routes of the Housatonic Area Regional Transit system running near the facility. The Metro North Railway has a stop near the arena, connecting passengers to south coast Connecticut cities and New York City. For fans driving to Danbury, there is ample parking in the Terrence E. McNally Patriot Garage across the street from the facility. The Danbury Ice Arena consists of two rinks, so the facility is in constant use. Fans coming to see a Hat Trick game will enter into the main concourse, where a table selling tickets and merchandise is located. The facility is a busy one, with youth hockey, birthday parties, public skating and even live music all going on at the same time. Fans enter the arena at ice level, with the majority of the seating located on the opposite side of the ice. Seating consists of metal bleachers, with some sections covered by molded plastic. There are some seating sections, including a luxury box, on the near side of the facility. These sections are located above the ice and are accessible via staircases in the lobby. Seats in these 200-level sections offer obstructed views of the ice surface. Visiting fans may be interested in the two humorously small seating sections at one end of the rink. Section 108 seats a whopping four fans! There is a good amount of standing room available around the ice surface, which fills up quickly. There is a scoreboard located at either end of the rink which provides score and time only. Restrooms in the lobby are more than adequate for the needs of the facility. Return on Investment 5 All seats to Hat Trick games are sold for fourteen dollars. There is generally no need to purchase tickets in advance, unless you are looking to avoid lines at the ticket booths. Parking is available in the garage across the street from the arena for four dollars. Concessions are reasonably priced, especially the pitchers of beer for $17. Extras 2 An extra point is awarded for the colorful history of the Danbury Ice Arena. A second extra point is awarded for the Hat Trick branding, which managed to incorporate Danbury history, hockey terminology and local hockey history in one neat package. The logo was designed by Dom Allessandro of A-W Design. Allesandro has designed the logo for every Danbury professional hockey team. The Hat Trick logo contains five diamonds, one for every pro team to have played in Danbury. Final Thoughts Danbury, Connecticut is a small city with a most interesting hockey history. The latest team to call Danbury home, the Hat Tricks, hope to find the winning formula that has eluded previous tenants of the Danbury Ice Arena. Despite the plain surroundings of this barn, there’s plenty of entertainment to be had here in Hat City. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Owings Mills Gymnasium 11005 Owings Mills Blvd Owings Mills, MD 21117 Stevenson Mustangs website Owings Mills Gymnasium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,500 A History of Horses Stevenson University was originally known as Villa Julie College. It has always been a bit of a quirky place. Originally located in the Greenspring Valley of Baltimore County and its Stevenson neighborhood, the college was an all-girls school until 1972 and did not even offer bachelor degrees until 1984. It also was entirely non-residential. But eventually the college desired to add housing and more of just about everything, so a new campus was added in Owings Mills. This expansion dramatically increased the college’s offerings and student population. In 2008, they decided they needed a new identity and changed their name to Stevenson University. The Owings Mills campus just happened to be right next door to the old Baltimore Colts training facility. Stevenson acquired the building and the land and used it as the center of their athletic department. In 2006 it re-opened as the Caves Sports and Wellness Center. Some of the locker rooms and facilities are similar to the ones left behind by the Baltimore Ravens (the last professional football team to use the building), with necessary remodeling done. The training center was also home of the Canadian Football League champions, the Baltimore Stallions between 1994 and 1995. In 2010, Stevenson opened the Owings Mills Gymnasium, as they moved their basketball games from an antiquated gym on the old Villa Julie part of their campus. The university also added 3,500 seat Mustang Stadium next door in 2011. Stevenson University is still in the midst of expanding. They are trying to add land from the nearby Rosewood State Hospital, a now closed institution for people with developmental disabilities. Until then, the grounds of Rosewood is a fascinating ghost town type complex. And it is super creepy. Talks and negotiations for the proposed purchase of this land seems to be at a standstill, but it should eventually happen. It makes sense for it to eventually happen as Stevenson wants the land and there may be no other major suitors. Food & Beverage 2 A very small and basic food stand is located on the concourse. Don’t expect much. Hot dogs are $3, nachos $4 and soda $2. You might be better off leaving the facility and walking to one of the many options in the close vicinity of the university instead of spending much money here. Atmosphere 2 The gymnasium has a very basic single grandstand on each side of the court with an outside concourse between the two areas. All seats are bleacher type. The gymnasium can get loud because of its small size. Neighborhood 4 Owings Mills is a suburb of Baltimore, so there are plenty of shopping centers and restaurants in the area. A couple of well stocked places are within easy walking distance. The closest options for places to go for food are Edo Mae Sushi (10995 Owings Mills Blvd), Five Guys Burgers and Fries (10902 Boulevard Circle) and Courtney’s Bagel Cafe and Deli (11000 Owings Mills Blvd). The Owings Mills station of the Baltimore Metro subway system is located about a mile away from campus. Fans 4 The fan atmosphere will depend on the game. But unfortunately the students do not tend to come to many games. The school is largely a commuter school. Access 4 Owings Mills Boulevard has an exit off of nearby Interstate 795. The stadium is a pretty quick one mile trip from the highway. I worried about traffic in an area that is pretty busy even on normal days, but the traffic was no problem. The university has plenty of parking in the area and there are no issues here. Parking is free. Return on Investment 4 Games are fairly cheap to atend, with some games even being free. Extras 2 The former home of three professional football teams (Baltimore Colts, Baltimore Stallions and Baltimore Ravens), the Caves Sports and Wellness Center is worth a quick trip just outside the gym entrance. Try to remember 1984 and the pain and struggle that local football fans went through for years after the Colts moved away on a snowy night from this very location. Next to Mustang Stadium is a statue of a mustang, the university’s mascot. This is a good meet up spot and photo opportunity. Inside the Owings Mills Gymnasium concourse is a very nicely detailed Stevenson University Athletic Hall of Fame. Final Thoughts Stevenson has a nice, fairly new basketball facility that is easy to get to and cheap to attend. If you are in the area, this would be a venue we could easily recommend.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Qudos Bank Arena Edwin Flack Ave Sydney Olympic Park NSW 2127 Australia Sydney Kings website Qudos Bank Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,200 We Are All Kings The National Basketball League (NBL) is experiencing a welcome renaissance, and the Sydney Kings are emblematic of the resurgence of interest in Australia’s domestic competition. The club dates back to 1987, having formed as a result of two foundation teams; Westars and Supersonics. Based out of the Sydney Entertainment Centre in the inner-city, the Kings were chronic underachievers until finally experiencing sustained success in the early 2000’s. Despite this, the Kings had their license revoked after the owner was unable to pay player salaries following a bad sponsorship deal. The iconic franchise was eventually relaunched for the 2010-11 season. Following the demolition of the Sydney Entertainment Centre at Darling Harbour, the club moved west to Olympic Park and now call Qudos Bank Arena home. Qudos Bank Arena was constructed to serve as the main indoor arena for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics. Originally known as the Sydney Superdome, the venue adopted its current corporate moniker in 2016. With a capacity of 18,200, Qudos is the largest venue in Australia by capacity. During the Olympics the basketball and gymnastic events were held at the Dome but since then it has hosted many concerts, conferences and sporting events including basketball, netball, ice hockey, and tennis. Given its size, the Dome was the site of the largest ever netball crowd in the world during the Netball World Cup in 2015. The arena is operated by AEG Ogden, who also own a majority stake in the Kings. In 2019 a new all-time NBL record crowd was set when 17,513 fans attended a Kings vs Illawarra Hawks game at Qudos. Food & Beverage 3 The selection of food items available for purchase is relatively confined to the basics. Staple items include various hot dogs (American, Loaded, Jalapeno), fries (plain or loaded) and chicken nuggets. Wraps and salads are also on the menu. Expect to pay around $13-$14 for any of these selections, although note that Kings members receive discounts of up to $1 off the headline rate. Soft drinks, bottled water, and energy drinks cost up to $6 per item. At the bar there are a small selection of beers, wines, and pre-mixed spirits for sale for up to $13 per drink (with Kings members receiving a discount of up to $1.50 per drink). Atmosphere 4 There’s no doubt that the move west to Olympic Park, along with new ownership, has breathed new life into the franchise. Similarly, the game-day experience is much improved and continues to draw ever-increasing crowds to Qudos Bank Arena. The reputation of the league is constantly improving, with the recruitment of Andrew Bogut to the Kings effectively creating a snowball effect, as the NBL now looms large as a realistic alternative for North American based players who wish to turn pro rather than head into the college system. Despite being 20 years old, the arena still presents exceptionally well. Upon arrival, there is a small activation precinct located in front of the building. There is a relatively quick security check outside the venue itself before you enter the large open foyer, which is adorned with large Kings banners, and also features a well-stocked merchandise stand. Also, be sure to take the opportunity to have your photo taken sitting in the large replica throne – a nice touch. Indeed for a venue that is used for numerous different events, the Kings do an excellent job of customising it for their fans. The majority of spectators will then need to take the escalator or stairs to access their seats. Once upstairs, the walkways are wide and easily accommodate the crowd. Each bay is well-marked, making the entry hassle-free. Once inside, several features stand out. Firstly, the video screen is huge. Indeed it is reportedly the largest indoor screen in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a welcome addition as many Australian venues are only just now starting to realize the value a large screen can make to the fan experience. Hanging from the rafters above this are the Kings championship and club legends banners. The pre-game introductions are impressive; the “lights out” announcement is a great way to engage the crowd, who respond by holding their mobile phones in the air. During the game, the announcer and musical interludes are well done and add to the experience. Additionally, there are cheerleaders and a mascot. Ushers are stationed at most entrances to the seating area, and are generally friendly and helpful. Neighborhood 4 Prior to being developed as a central hub of sporting venues for the 2000 Olympics, the area that is now Sydney Olympic Park consisted of a mix of polluted former industrial land, and mangrove swamps. Following the Olympics, there has been a significant amount of on-going development to turn the precinct into a thriving live-work-play mini-city. Population within Sydney Olympic Park is expected to reach more than 30,000 in the next 20 years. The Sydney Olympic Park precinct is a modern area consisting of major sporting and recreation venues, hotels, restaurants and bars. There are often multiple events occurring in the precinct on the same day, many of which are community-based. Visitors to the area should almost always have several options for pre or post-match entertainment. The Novotel Sydney Olympic Park has launched The Kings Bar for the 2019/20 season, which the club promotes as its preferred destination for basketball fans. The Accor group also have Pullman and Ibis hotels nearby. There are numerous casual dining options within a short walk of the arena, with Ribs & Rumps always a popular choice. It’s also worth checking the schedules of other summer sports based at Olympic Park to consider double-header opportunities or a sporting weekend at Homebush; specifically, Sydney Thunder BBL cricket at ANZ Stadium. Fans 4 As mentioned, the move west has been a successful one and fan numbers have continued to trend upwards. Average crowd numbers are around 9,000 per game, which is very respectable for the NBL in an over-saturated Sydney sports marketplace. Expect big crowds for the local derby with the Illawarra Hawks, and modern day rivals Melbourne United. Much of the crowd is decked out in Kings purple and yellow, and is loud. There are a number of cheers initiated by the announcer and the crowd responds to all of them, as well as generally remaining vocal and focused on the game at all times. “Go Kings, Go” is a familiar refrain throughout the game. The atmosphere is infectious and you can’t help but be impressed. The Kings have focused on entertainment and their fans obviously agree with what they’re seeing. Access 4 While there are plenty of options to choose from when travelling to Sydney Olympic Park, public transportation is usually the best option. The train station is approximately 600m walk from the arena, and should suit most fans. If you do choose to drive, note that the traffic in surrounding areas can be poor, particularly if there are several events on at the same time – it may take you 30 minutes or more to travel the last kilometer or two. Additionally, parking is expensive. Expect to pay $25 to use one of the parking stations for the duration. P1 is the closest to Qudos Bank Arena and is easily accessed if you are approaching from the west. P2 is a little further away, but still a feasible option if you are driving in from the north. Qudos is well suited to crowds and the concourses are generally wide and easy to negotiate. There are bag searches and security to pass through upon entry but that is fairly common at most venues these days. Bathrooms are clean, plentiful, and remain in good condition. Return on Investment 4 With the tickets for a family of four starting at $40 (Bronze Level), getting into the game itself is not obviously expensive. However, there are several different price points depending on the experience you’re looking for, with the best seats in the house selling for $85 for an adult. Add in parking and food mean it won’t necessarily be a cheap day out, but the fan experience and quality production the Kings are putting on make it worth your cash. Extras 4 It’s the little things that make the difference, and the Kings have delivered. The timing just seems right for the club at the moment; they are rightfully proclaiming a new era yet also are drawing on their impressive history. The pre-game ritual is exciting and the continual entertainment makes the game fly by. Final Thoughts With domestic basketball once again on the rise in Australia, now is a great time to make your acquaintance with the Sydney Kings and Qudos Bank Arena.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Falcon Stadium Stadium Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80840 Air Force Falcons website Falcon Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 46,692 Air Force Falcons Football Sings Second Falcon Stadium on the campus of the U.S. Air Force Academy is home to the Air Force Falcons football and lacrosse teams. The stadium, which was built in a natural bowl, has a capacity of 46,692 and stands in the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains. Falcon Stadium is 6,621 feet above sea level, making it the second-highest elevation FBS college stadium, behind the University of Wyoming’s War Memorial Field. The stadium was built in 1962, bringing Air Force football games on campus for the first time. The first game here was on September 22, a 34–0 victory over Colorado State, and the venue was officially dedicated four weeks later on October 20, which included the Air Force’s famous demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. Colorado State continues to be a big rival for Air Force, as the two schools compete for the Ram-Falcon trophy each year. Falcon Stadium does host non-athletic events, such as the Air Force Academy’s annual graduation. The facility will also host the 2020 NHL Stadium Series outdoor game, with the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Los Angeles Kings. Food & Beverage 4 The main concessions stand Inside the stadium serve the standard fare such as hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. The prices for these items are all below $5. For more of a variety, search in the end zones of the stadium, where there are food trucks, a beer garden, and local restaurants for fans to up their food and beverage game. Chick-fil-A is the most recognizable tent located near the beer garden, while Dickey’s bright yellow BBQ food truck stands out in the other end zone. Budweiser is covering the domestic beer, with a 16oz Bud Light costing $8, but a 12oz Bon & Viv pear seltzer is available as well for the same price. But for a little more, Pikes Peak Brewing Company offers a few of their beers to fans. For non-alcoholic beverages, Falcon Stadium serves Pepsi products; a Pepsi bottled drink costs $4 while coffee, hot chocolate, and cider are $3. Or, for fans that need that extra kick in their step; there is the $5 Spike energy drink. The concessions lines move quickly, and Falcon Stadium does allow food, which is a rarity at sports venues, but the food must be displayed in a transparent 1-gallon Ziploc bag with only I bag allowed per person. Also, factory-sealed transparent soft plastic water bottles 24oz or less are the only beverages permitted to enter Falcon Stadium. Atmosphere 4 The game day atmosphere begins with fans convoying onto the U.S. Air Force Academy grounds to begin tailgating at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Falcon Stadium in the fall/wintry months provide one of the best tailgating atmospheres in all of college football with the cool-brisk air, smell of food, and the sounds of music with a background of Pikes Peak and Cheyenne Mountain. There are plenty of vendors outside the stadium gates offering free samples or items for fans. For those fans lucky enough to be in attendance for the Veteran’s Day weekend game, a show of military helicopters is on hand for photo ops. The Air Force spirit squad can also be seen walking through the tailgating areas encouraging the fans with upbeat cheers. Air Force Spirit Squad, Photo by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey The pregame festivities are unparalleled by any other college football venue. The march on before the Army/Navy game is well documented, but this tradition is at all the service academies. Before the national anthem starts, various Air Force cadets march into Falcon Stadium in formation filling the field with our future Air Force members. The Air Force Cadets are dismissed and sprint to their seating section. The game football is brought in with a parachute demonstration into the stadium and onto the field. This tradition is always a highlight for fans, both old and new. Then after the national anthem there are various fly overs. Falcon Stadium is bowl-shaped and has two tiers of seating on the home side with the press box, along with a spacious walkway between the seating tiers. Along the walkway wall, previous Air Force teams are honored with game-by-game records on plaques. During the game there is the normal cheering, such as fans on one side yelling “Air” and the other responding “Force.” For fans that like to use halftime as a break, I suggest you wait or go before halftime. At halftime, Air Force’s live falcon mascot soars around the stadium and the PA announcer gives the history behind the bird being the symbol of the U.S. Air Force. During the game, after each score, cadets run down behind the end zone and do push-ups. At the end of the game, for games involving the military academies, Sing Last! college football has a tradition of each school singing their alma mater with their fans, but the teams don’t join in each other school’s songs. However, the academies are different, so win or lose, the teams’ mutual respect is shown with both schools participating in songs. So, the motto for the military academies fans and players is to “Sing Second,” as singing second signifies a win in the game. Neighborhood 4 Falcon Stadium is located at the Air Force Academy, yet still 2 miles from the cadet area. The stadium complex is situated in a natural bowl on the base of the mountain range. Colorado Springs has plenty of things to offer fans in terms of food and lodging, but it is a 25-minute drive from Falcon Stadium. It also depends on which direction or gate you are entering; both the north and south gates have restaurants, shops, and hotels. For fans near the south gate area, the food options could be at the Promenade Shops at Briarwood Parkway, where there are plenty of chain restaurants such as Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Fuzzy Taco Shop, or Dickey’s BBQ. Colorado Mountain Brewery is a few miles north on I-25 from that gate. Next door to the brewery are Great Wolf Lodge and Drury Inn & Suites, plus a Residence Inn by Marriott and a Hampton Inn Suites-Colorado Springs across the parkway. On the north gate side off Interstate 25, there is Bourbon Brothers Southern Kitchen. However, the best idea would be going north to Monument, where Pikes Peak Brewing, 3 Margaritas, and Broken Bones are all good places to eat. There is also a Ramada by Wyndham in Monument, as well as Fairfield Inn & Suites Colorado Springs North/AF Academy for lodging. There are a lot of things to do around Colorado Springs, the USAFA, Pikes Peak, and Pike National Forest, or you can make the short drive to the Denver area, or some of great skiing options nearby for those later fall games. Unfortunately, the most recognizable building at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the most visited man-made tourist attraction in Colorado, the Cadet Chapel, is closed for necessary repairs right now, with an estimated completion date of late 2022. Fans 3 The average attendance for Air Force games hovers around 28,000 fans. The top opponents for attendance are the other service academies and Colorado State. This usually translates to Falcon Stadium being less than half of the stadium’s capacity, but this doesn’t affect fans’ enthusiasm, as the Air Force fans get into the game at key moments and can be loud when the opponent is on defense. However, most of the game the fans are there to enjoy the comradery of being football fans. There isn’t the childish fan behavior from opponents seen at other college football games. The opponents’ fans have respect for one another and especially the Air Force players. The fans are truly there to be a part of celebrating the young men and women of the U.S. Air Force Academy, rather than just being at a football game. The fan competition does change to a slightly fiercer atmosphere while playing Navy or Army, and this rivalry between service academies is something every sports fan should see; Air Force’s home schedule allows it to be home to either Army or Navy on rotating years. Access 3 The U.S. Air Force Academy is located northwest of Colorado Springs along the base of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains. Falcon Stadium is on the USAFA campus, 2 miles from the USAF cadet area and about a mile west of Interstate 25. There are only two entry points to the Academy, the South and North Gates. Both these gates can be accessed from Interstate 25. When going north on I-25 take exit 150B for the South Gate entrance and exit 156 for the North Gate entrance. The North and South gates both open to the public four hours prior to kickoff, while the ticket booths and the gates at the stadium itself open 2 hours before kickoff. Parking is $10 cash without a pre-paid parking pass, and the commute toward the stadium is quick and easy. Parking is plentiful, though most parking is in grass fields; the lots are good to drive across when dry but could be difficult during inclement weather. There are plenty of entrances to get into Falcon Stadium, although the terrain around the stadium is unbalanced due to the location of the stadium. The access to the upper level of the stadium can be difficult, as the climbing can take away the people’s breaths due to the high elevation – once you are settled in to your seating area, though, things are a little less work. After the game, the commute from the stadium to the interstate is time consuming for all fans. There are only two ways out so traffic can be a nightmare; Interstate 25 can randomly back up, and construction is constantly an eyesore. There aren’t many options for public transportation here other than taxis or Uber, and those can be pricey with waiting times; I would suggest your own vehicle or rental to access to Falcon Stadium. Return on Investment 5 Attending a football game at any of the 3 service academies is much more than just ticket prices. The experience of seeing and supporting the best young men and women that the nation has to offer far exceeds any cost for a football ticket. However, even if you just go thinking of Falcon Stadium, then the investment is still to the max on ROI. There is plenty of cash parking around Falcon Stadium at the cost of $10 per vehicle, with Falcons football single-game tickets range from $25 to $65 depending on the seating level. However, the Commander in Chief games (Army and Navy) are great rivalry games with higher attendance, and the prices range from $50 to $90 for these games. For fans that want a little more exclusivity there is the Blue and Silver Club at the cost of $225. Or, for fans that really want to lower the prices for a trip to Falcon Stadium, except for games against the other service academies, tickets on a third-party website can be low as $15 per ticket, where a family of four could easily keep the price under $100 for tickets, concessions, and parking. Extras 5 Falcon Stadium honors teams past by listing conference championships, famous players, bowl games, and famous seasons throughout the stadium. There isn’t a better pageantry before, during, and after the game, than football games held at the United States military academies. The pregame flyover, parachutes, and on-field formations are truly an amazing sight for any college football fan. The comradery among fans, especially fans that served in other services, is just on a whole different level of respect than at a typical college football game. A visit to one of the nation’s service academies and the surrounding Colorado Springs area is well worth the trip for anyone. Final Thoughts Seeing a game at Falcon Stadium is an experience that can only be matched at two other places; West Point, NY and Annapolis, MD. These places have a unique and different atmosphere that isn’t matched anywhere else in college football. The fans are welcoming, and the patriotism runs high. Whether, you attend a game at West Point, Annapolis, or at the Air Force Academy, everyone sings second when it comes to watching a game at our military academies.

Photos by Will Halpern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium 1801 Fayetteville St Durham, NC 27707 North Carolina Central Eagles website O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 10,000 The Eagles Soar in the Bull City North Carolina Central University was founded a decade after the turn of the twentieth century. Twelve years later, in 1922, the Eagles launched their football program. For five years the team was an independent, before joining the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association for the next 42 years. The team then moved to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference for seven years before rejoining the CIAA from 1979 through 2006. After competing as a Division II Independent program for three seasons, 2010 was the year the Eagles finally joined the ranks of NCAA Division 1, as once again a member of the MEAC, which was a Division II conference when the Eagles were first a member. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference is a conference consisting of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); along with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) they are the two Division I conferences that consist of HBCUs. The Eagles have played on campus at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium since 1975. Food & Beverage 4 O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium offers a variety of delicious culinary offerings, but unlike most sports venues where food is purchased mostly from concession stands around the stadium, the majority of food here is found at food trucks from local restaurants that are all located behind the main concourse. Off the Hook Seafood, based in nearby Rolesville, offers fish, shrimp, or chicken tenders and fries for ten dollars each, or you can pick two or all three with fries for fifteen and twenty dollars respectively. The R&B Grill Food Truck offers a similar menu to Off the Hook, but with the added options of a Pork Chop combo, along with sausage dogs and Philly cheese steaks, all priced between 11 and 14 dollars. For those looking for the more classic stadium fare, JC’s Kitchen Food Truck offers a hot dog for just three dollars or burgers and nachos for four dollars, as well as fish combos and chicken wings. For dessert, Flavor Desserts Bakery, based in both Durham and Greensboro, offers an assortment of cakes and cupcakes, fried Oreos, and Italian ice, and ice cream is also offered. There is also a concessions stand behind the stadium selling snacks and Pepsi products. Atmosphere 3 O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium is a very basic stadium with very few bells and whistles. It holds 10,000 people, which is small even by FCS standards. There is a nice-sized video board but for some reason the video does not take up the whole screen, and instead is only shown in a small square within the screen, making highlights and replays unnecessarily hard to see. The seating consists of metal bleachers on the east side of the stadium and regular bleachers on the west side. There is chair back seating for season ticket holders, with some additional seating behind the south end zone, and lawn seating behind the north end zone next to the track, though this is not technically inside the stadium itself. The main positives are the game day atmosphere. The band, known as The Sound Machine, is fantastic, and the PA Announcer does a great job keeping the energy up without having to do it all on his own, as he often cues the DJ or The Sound Machine to keep the crowd loud during breaks or at big moments in the game. The band even has their own chant after the Eagles pick up a first down; there is truly never a dull moment during an NCCU Eagles football game. Neighborhood 4 O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium is located right in the center of North Carolina Central University, so there are not a ton of places to eat in the immediate vicinity apart from the on-campus dining halls. However, just two miles north of the stadium is downtown Durham, which offers so many different food offerings. Named “Tastiest Town in The South” in 2013 by Southern Living Magazine, whatever you are craving, Durham is sure to offer it, from Pie Pushers Pizza that offers fourteen different specialty pies to King’s Sandwich Shop, a Durham establishment since 1942 selling various sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. Dames Chicken and Waffles is also a popular southern combination, with different types of waffles and chicken prepared in a variety of ways, along with local brews to go along with any of the ten waffle combinations you can pick from. Finally, you can’t mention the Durham food scene without including Elmo’s Diner on Ninth Street, serving up classic American food, including breakfast. It’s very family-friendly, though you should be prepared for lines to get in. But it is well worth the wait, especially if you are new to Durham. The Bull City has a lot to offer if you are looking to plan a day or a weekend around an Eagles football game. Downtown Durham offers a lot of local stores and boutiques along Main Street, Brightleaf Square, and the American Tobacco Campus. Or, if you are looking for more shopping options check out New Hope Commons shopping center or the Streets at Southpoint (an indoor and outdoor mall), both just ten minutes from NCCU’s campus. Alternatively, those who enjoy being in the great outdoors should head over to Sarah P. Duke Gardens on the campus of Duke University just four miles northwest of the stadium, or Eno River State Park which is a fifteen-minute drive in the same direction. And for those with children, a visit to the Museum of Life and Science is a short ten-minute drive north of O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium, and offers both an indoor museum and a large outdoor play area, including a train you can ride and a butterfly house. The closest hotels to the stadium are downtown, which is not far from NCCU’s campus. There are plenty of chain hotels such as Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton, and Aloft, but if you are looking for something a little nicer, the Unscripted Durham and the 21c Museum Hotel are a three-star and four-star hotel respectively, with both offering a restaurant and the latter offering a spa and art gallery. Fans 3 NCCU has a great fan base of students, locals, and alumni, and Eagle Pride is truly evident throughout O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. My most recent visit was a Thursday night game, and though it was nationally televised, the stadium looked about two-thirds full, with most of the fans sitting on the west side of the stadium (admittedly, it was fall break at the university during my visit).But there was still a good tailgating scene outside of the stadium, and even with the stadium not at capacity the fans were still loud and engaged throughout the game, and with the DJ, PA Announcer, and The Sound Machine riling up the fans, the stadium was fairly loud. Normally the fans at an Eagles game would deserve a higher score, if it had been a regular Saturday at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Access 4 O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium is located on Fayetteville Street just five minutes south of downtown Durham. Traffic can be a problem if you are driving on I-85 or I-40 during rush hour, but once you are in Durham the traffic tends to ease up. There is a parking deck for ten dollars not far from the stadium, but most of the other lots are reserved for students, faculty, and Eagle Club members. Handicap parking is available, and there are a number of Go Durham Buses that take you to campus from downtown, including the 5, 7, and 8. Fares are just a dollar each way, and it’s very convenient especially if coming on Greyhound, Amtrak, or Megabus from out of town, as the train and bus station are just two blocks apart. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is less than twenty minutes southeast in Morrisville, and the main gate into the stadium behind the west side is not too crowded and is hassle-free. The bathrooms are clean but could use renovating, however, the concourses are fairly wide and are easy to navigate. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Eagles games are fifteen dollars in advance and twenty-five dollars at the gate, so it is worth getting them early if you are planning on attending an Eagles game. Food is a little pricey but is local and tasty, and you get a fair amount of it, so it is worth paying a little more for it. Overall an Eagles football game won’t cost an arm and a leg, and with an intimate stadium, a great band, and some high-quality FCS football, it is well worth the price. . Extras 0 The first point goes to the local delicious food offered at the stadium, while the second point is for the PA Announcer who inspires the entire stadium with Eagle Pride .Point number three goes to The Sound Machine marching band that plays throughout the game and gives a great performance at halftime. A fourth point goes to the DJ, which is a rarity in college football, and complimented the band well. Finally, a point goes to the incredible staff and fans. Final Thoughts North Carolina Central University is relatively new to the Division I college football scene; now entering its tenth season at that level, the program has not been intimidated by the rise in rank. The team continues to be competitive in the MEAC, and even played in the Celebration Bowl in 2016, the game which decides the HBCU National Championship. The game day atmosphere at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium is high energy. It is clear, though, that the stadium should be updated. It doesn’t need a major overhaul but updated restroom facilities, some changes to the video board, and a few other tweaks could make the stadium an even more desirable place to watch an Eagles football team.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Butcher Athletic Center 478 W Campus Drive Shepherdstown, WV 25443 Shephard Rams website Butcher Athletic Center website Year Opened: Unknown Capacity: 3,600 A Ram-a-Lama-Ding-Dong Shepherd University is a small college located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia in the extreme eastern portion of the state. Shepherd’s athletic teams are known as the Rams and compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) at the Division II NCAA level. The Butcher Athletic Center is the on-campus home of the Rams’ men’s and women’s basketball teams. Food & Beverage 2 There is one small concession stand located on the second floor of the Butcher Athletic Center, serving only the most basic options. Your only options for main courses are pizza ($2.25 for a slice of cheese or $2.50 for pepperoni) and hot dogs ($3.25). Sometimes Chick-fil-A sandwiches will be available for sale as well, for $5. Snacks include chips for $2 and candy for $2.25, while drinks include water for $3 and soda or Gatorade for $3.25. A frozen lemonade vendor from a local company will sometimes be present as well, either on the upper concourse or in the corner at floor level. Atmosphere 2 Unsurprisingly for the Division II level, a Shepherd basketball game is a barebones experience. Although they will play music over the loudspeakers during timeouts and offer occasional giveaways, there isn’t that much going on here. The one good thing is the PA announcer, who tries to get the crowd revved up, but it can be hard to hear him at times since the sound system is so bad. There are scoreboards at each end as well as over center court that show only the basic information, and seats on both sidelines. One side is chair backs while the other is general admission. Neighborhood 2 Shepherdstown is a friendly town but is not a particularly large one. There are a few restaurants and such in the immediate vicinity, but ultimately this is a sleepy small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains with not much to do. That being said, there is a lot of natural beauty in the area. Despite the popular John Denver song, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River are mainly associated with Virginia, not West Virginia, but Jefferson County, where Shepherdstown is located, is the one place in the state you can actually experience them. Civil War buffs can also take a short drive across the Potomac River to visit the historic battlefield at Antietam, Maryland. Fans 2 Shepherd Fans do not turn out in good numbers for Rams basketball games, averaging only a few hundred fans. However, those who do show up tend to be fairly involved, cheering on their team throughout, staying for the whole game, and not feeling afraid to hassle the referees or opposing team. It would be nice to see more fans show up, but at this level, that may be too much to ask. Access 3 Shepherdstown can be tough to access and will require at least some travel on local roads. State Route 9 and U.S. Route 340 can get you close, but then you will have to do some driving on back roads to get to campus. Once you’re at the arena, free parking is available in the lots near the arena, but additional restrictions may be in place on weekdays if you arrive early for the first game of a doubleheader. Be sure to follow all posted signs so you do not receive a ticket. Once you get in to the building, you will enter the gym on the ground floor, but will need to go up to the second floor to access concessions. This just seems needlessly confusing, and depending on where you’re sitting, may require going down to floor level and back up. After scanning your ticket once, you can return through the entrance on either floor. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are just $6 for a single game or $8 for men’s and women’s doubleheaders. Concessions are affordable as well. However, there just isn’t enough offered here for it to receive the maximum rating. Extras 3 There are free programs available at the entrance which show the rosters and stats for both teams. The Shepherd University Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the lobby on the second floor and honors great Rams of days gone by. There is also a trophy case in the lobby honoring Rams athletic achievements in all sports. Final Thoughts Shepherd Rams basketball is a far cry from the Division I experience you can get across the state in Morgantown. However, if you’re looking for no-frills basketball at an affordable price without having to trek through the Allegheny Mountains, a visit to Shepherdstown may be for you. While it certainly won’t impress anyone, the ability to see a whole afternoon of basketball for just $8 a person makes it worth checking out.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Belhaven Bowl 1500 Peachtree St Jackson, MS 39202 Belhaven Blazers website Belhaven Bowl website Year Opened: 1950s Capacity: 1200 D3 Football at Belhaven Belhaven University is a small private Christian university located in Jackson, MS. The college was founded in 1883 through the merger of two schools, Mississippi Synodical College & McComb Female Institution. The school's current location opened in 1894 in the mansion of former Confederate Colonel Jones S. Hamilton. The mansion was named Belhaven, and hence is how the university got its name. In 1927 a lightning strike destroyed the mansion, which housed the university's only classrooms – the columns that stand today on the west side of the campus are the only remnants of the old college. The college was originally an all-female institute, however in 1954 males began being admitted to the school. The college has a current enrollment of a little over 4,200 students and fields 15 different sports, which since 2015 have competed in Division III's American Southwest Conference (ASC). The Blazers are the only team in Mississippi that competes in the conference, with 7 out of 10 schools in the ASC stationed in Texas. The Blazers originally were members of NAIA Mid-South Conference and played at H.T. Newell Stadium located just north of campus, but in 2015 the Blazers began the transition to NCAA Division III, and to accommodate these changes opened the brand new state-of-the-art Belhaven Bowl in 2016, located on campus. Since first fielding a football team in 1998 the Blazers have not had much success, compiling an 82-125 (.396) overall record, and not making any playoff appearances in either the NAIA or D3. Despite that fact Belhaven has had a few notable names come through the program. Former Kentucky Head Coach Hal Mumme was head coach for the Blazers from 2014-2017, and in 2009 current Tennessee Titans cornerback Tramaine Brock finished out his collegiate career here after a standout career at the University of Minnesota. Food & Beverage 1 Belhaven Bowl does not have a concessions stand on site, however, if you walk next door to the Heidelberg Gymnasium there is stand open in there. You should be able to make it to the gymnasium and back to your seat in about 5 minutes. Food options are pretty limited with only hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, popcorn, peanuts and candy listed on the menu. They also sell canned Coke products for $1, and as usual there is no alcohol. My suggestion would be to get something to eat anywhere in Jackson. Atmosphere 3 The whole setup for the Belhaven Bowl is quite impressive for this level of college football, and stands out compared to most college football stadiums in the south. The field the stadium was built around was originally known as “The Bowl,” and was just a big field that hosted football practices; the Blazers men's and women's soccer teams also used it for select games. The Bowl sits in the center of campus surrounded by beautiful campus buildings, and underwent a $4 million renovation at the end of the 2015 season, including chair back seating for 1200 and a state-of-the-art video board. The chair back seats with cup holders are an added touch here, and something you normally wouldn't see at the D3 level, but here every seat is a green chair back. The press box is unique as well as instead of a normal singular press box, Belhaven Bowl has their press box separated into 3 boxcar style buildings. There is no concourse but more of a walkway that surrounds the Bowl, and the field slightly below ground level so you walk down to your seats. The field faces north and south, with the home side located on the west side with the visitors on the east. The home side is much longer stretching the length of the field, while the visitor side only stretches from the 15-yard line to the 45-yard line. There are a few people tailgating around the stadium, and a unique thing here is that you can actually watch the game on the field while tailgating outside the stadium. The Blazers football program is young and has been notoriously bad in recent years, so there are not a lot of achievements. But the atmosphere is pretty good and more than makes up for the lack of wins. Coupled in with the cozy chairback seats, Belhaven Bowl is a pretty comfortable place to watch a football game. The old stadium H.T. Newell Field was definitely larger and held more fans, but Belhaven Bowl is much more comfortable and fits the program much better.Fans are free to walk up and come and go because there is no admission cost for tickets, so it is hard to take to count how many people actually show up on game day. Every seat is usually taken, but there are also a couple hundred or so people standing around the field watching. The atmosphere increases a point when the Blazers play Millsaps College. The Millsaps Majors are not part of the ASC conference but are still the Blazers' fiercest rivalry. Millsaps is located in the same neighborhood about two blocks west of Belhaven. Nicknamed the Riverside Rumble, these two teams usually face off every year to start the season. Fans from both schools pack the stadium and it becomes not so much a home game for Belhaven but more of a neutral site because of so many visiting fans. Neighborhood 3 Belhaven's campus is located in a mostly residential area north of downtown. While there is nothing within walking distance of the college, just a short drive north will take you to the Fondren District – located near the Ole Miss Med School this is Jackson's nightlife area, and you will find numerous restaurants and bars on this one block strip, my favorite being Fondren Public. You can play all sorts of games such as bocce ball, corn hole, shuffleboard, and over-sized jenga, as well as multiple board games so this bar has a really cool feel to it. There are numerous other bars and restaurants located in Fondren as well, however, such as Pig & Pint (known for its BBQ), Walker's Drive Inn, Babalu Tapas & Tacos, and Sal & Mookie's Pizza. But another bar in the area I suggest checking out is Brent's Drugs – from the outside it looks like a regular pharmacy, and with the soda fountain inside it's very reminiscent of 50's style diner. However, in the back there is a speakeasy style bar that was used during prohibition – it's a very interesting bar that gets pretty packed at night. There are also numerous bars in the downtown area as well, a couple of miles south of campus, such as Hal and Mal's, Fenians, and Old Tavern on George Street. In addition, Underground 119 is a cool underground blues bar located in downtown as well. However, the downtown area is not exactly the safest area, so use caution when walking here after dark. Lakeland Drive is located about a mile north of Belhaven's campus and you can find all the usual chain restaurants and lodging in this area. For attractions, I recommend checking out the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, which is a very nice interactive museum that doesn't get too packed during the week, and you could spend hours just walking through all the different exhibits located in the museum. The Hall of Fame is located on Lakeland Drive, right next to historic Smith-Wills Stadium, former home of the Minor League Jackson Mets/Generals and the current home to the Belhaven baseball team. Fans 4 This season marks the fourth year of football at Belhaven Bowl, and the new venue has already proven to be a success, as more fans have turned out than when games were played across the street at Newell Field. Because fans are free to come and go as they please there is not an official way to accurately determine just how many fans come out for games, but as the majority of the seats are filled, and with many fans also standing around, it looks to be in the 1200 to 1500 range. Many of the schools in the American Southwest Conference are in Texas, and unfortunately there is not a large turnout from visiting fans except when they play Millsaps. Because of the closeness of the field to the stands everything looks packed out and looks pretty cool. At the farthest away you are still only about 15 to 20 feet from the actual playing field. There is also a mix of all types of people including lots of player's parents, alumni, and students – there is no official student section so most of the students seemed scattered out between the grandstand and the tailgating lots. In addition, from Peachtree Street there is a clear view of the playing field, so you will see some fans driving down that road who pull off to stop. Access 3 The campus is located north of downtown a couple of blocks west of Interstate 55. If coming from any direction I-55 will be your best option – just take the Fortification Street exit and then turn north onto Greymont Street, which will run you right into campus. The field is located on the north side of campus right next to Heidelberg Gymnasium, home of the Blazers basketball program. Even though many of the seats are taken on a first come first serve basis, the place is spread out enough that you should have no problem finding a place to either stand and watch the game, or you can sit on the berm in the south end zone which a lot of fans do. So you should have no problem finding a seat, and even though you have to walk to the gymnasium next door to get food, it shouldn't take any longer than 5 minutes. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, concessions are limited but cheap, and you’re not going to see many future NFL stars on the field, but the overall atmosphere makes this a good return on investment. It makes for a great stop if in Jackson, MS on a Saturday in the fall. Extras 3 Belhaven can be considered the Oregon Ducks of D3 football, as they are known for numerous different uniform combinations. Almost every home or away game expect the Blazers to wear a different jersey and a new helmet design that was not used the previous week. Belhaven's colors are similar to Oregon as well, except the green is a little lighter in Belhaven. Expect the Blazers to wear bright green, yellow jerseys, or charcoal grey with a bright green or yellow helmet, but they'll switch it up and wear any color pants from gray to bright green to black to bright yellow. It's definitely a sight to see and something to look forward to if attending a game. Though the Blazers don't win much they still look good while trying. Another extra for the amount of college football games one could attend while in the area. Belhaven, Millsaps College, and Jackson State's football stadium are all located within blocks of one another. I recommend checking the schedule for when all three teams play on the same day, which happens at least once or twice a year. On my most recent visit I was able to check out the noon game at Belhaven, then drive two blocks over and watch the Millsaps game at 2:30, and then I walked across the street to Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium to watch the Jackson State Tigers play at one of the most historic college football venues in the south. Another extra point for the World's Oldest Singing Christmas Tree, which is performed at Belhaven Bowl every December. A singing Christmas tree is exactly what it sounds like – a giant Christmas tree with platforms where people stand and sing. When the Singing Christmas Tree started in 1933 it was a first of its kind, and today the wood and metal structure can hold over 100 people. Over the years the candles have been replaced with LED lights that change colors in various patterns and sequences according to the Christmas carol being sung, which creates a visual spectacle. The tree is set up on the football field and there are two performances each year, so if in the Jackson area on these particular dates I highly recommend checking out the tree. Final Thoughts When people think of great college football venues and traditions in Mississippi, for most people in the state Belhaven University does not come to mind. Many people think of Davis-Wade Stadium’s cowbells and The Junction, The Grove in Oxford, The Rock in Hattiesburg, or The Vet in Jackson. But what many people don't know is that there is a small D3 college in downtown Jackson that has created its own unique identity to stand out, with an atmosphere and fan engagement that rivals the bigger schools in the state. I have been to and experienced most every college football stadium and arena in the state of Mississippi, and perhaps one of my absolute favorites has to be Belhaven Bowl. The Bowl has everything from the tiny grandstands to the campus buildings overlooking the field to make it unique and stand out amongst other venues in the state. After four years Belhaven Bowl still retains that new feel to it, and it remains a true hidden gem and something all college football fans in the Jackson area should visit at least once.

Photos by Will Halpern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Rhodes Stadium 1 Stadium Dr Elon, NC 27244 Elon Phoenix website Rhodes Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 13,100 The Phoenix Rise at Rhodes Stadium Founded in 1889, Elon College started its football program twenty years later. Spending time in the North State and South Atlantic Conferences in the NAIA and then in Division II, Elon rose to the Division I ranks in 1999, ninety years after the football program began. Known first as the Fightin’ Christians, they decided to adopt a more inclusive name as they entered the NCAA’s top division. The name “Phoenix” comes from the 1923 fire that destroyed much of campus – the trustees wanted to make the school “rise from the ashes” like a phoenix. The following year the school became Elon University. Starting out in the Big South Conference, in 2003 the university joined the Southern Conference, where they stayed for the next eleven years before finally moving into the Colonial Athletic Conference where they compete today. The team first played off-campus at Burlington Athletic Stadium in neighboring Burlington, but since 2001 they’ve called the on-campus Rhodes Stadium home. Food & Beverage 5 Rhodes Stadium boasts a wide variety of local food options. This is surprising for an FCS school, where usually you expect basic stadium food and not much more. The food is also reasonably priced as well; a hot dog or a slice of pizza is just three dollars. An Elon Pit Beef Sandwich, which consists of beef, sweet onions, and horseradish ketchup on a potato roll will set you back only seven dollars, while six dollars can get you Vegan Chick’n Nuggets or San Guiseppe’s Local Sausage of the day, and that’s all at one concessions stand. Cockadoolemoo, a food truck, offers either wet or dry rub ribs, or you can get a mixture of both, as well a pulled pork sandwich with your choice of either Eastern-style Vinegar or Western-style Tomato (or both!). Given Elon’s location right in the middle of the geographic NC BBQ debate, and given that 80% of Elon students are from outside the Tar Heel State, the choice allows those new to the battle for BBQ supremacy to weigh in for themselves. Bojangles Cajun Filet Sandwich, as well as crab cake and vegetarian crab cake sandwiches, round out the main courses, and the Nutn’ But Luv stand offers pecans, almonds, and cashews. For popcorn, Charlie’s Popcorn and Kettle Corn is the place to go, while for dessert, Pelican’s Snoballs offer thirteen different flavors of Italian Ice, or at the local Smitty’s Ice Cream stand you can choose from among eight different flavors. Pepsi is the soft drink option here, and while alcohol sales are expanding at college football stadiums, Rhodes Stadium does not offer any adult beverages at the moment. Atmosphere 5 Rhodes Stadium is definitely not a large stadium by any means, as the total capacity comes in at 11,250, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more space to pack in fans. The stadium has seating on both sides – those on the east side (sections 108-112) are bleacher seating that is usually taken by those rooting for the visitors. The west side seating has two levels, with sections 200, 201, 206-208, and 105-107 being standard bleacher seating, while sections 202-205 have chair backs. Sections 101-104 are reserved for students, and the rest of the seating area consists of lawn seating, with the south side being known as Phoenix Hill. The hill allows people to relax and take in a game on the grass from almost anywhere around the stadium, unlike most stadiums where lawn seating, if it exists at all, is usually behind an end zone. If you’re looking to sit in the shade, it’s important to arrive early as (especially during early-season games) those seats can fill up quickly. There is a video board in the northeast corner of the stadium next to the Alumni Field House, and Elon like most schools, has a cheerleading squad and a mascot, and their marching band “The Fire of the Carolinas” is fantastic. The fact that the stadium doesn’t have a track means that fans have an even more intimate view of the field. The fans are passionate and can make the stadium loud on game day, which provides a perfect combination of a relaxing and electric place to take in a game. Neighborhood 3 Rhodes Stadium is located on the north end of campus alongside the other athletic facilities such as Latham Park and Rudd Field, home to the baseball and soccer programs, as well as the Elon Bell Tower, and across the street from the new Schar Center, which is home to Elon’s men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams. Elon is a small college town, with the university encompassing the town of Elon and vice versa. That being said, there are places to check out near Rhodes Stadium – a mile and a half away right on the Elon-Gibsonville border is The Mission: The Tacos for the South, where Mexican meets Southern with options such as The Carolina Pork Taco with pimento cheese, roasted pork and BBQ sauce, and southern nachos, with pork, BBQ sauce, chorizo, and sour cream. Or, a short fifteen-minute walk south of the stadium is Tangent Eat and Bar with unique kinds of tacos for under four dollars each. For example, there are the chicken and waffle taco, bahn mi tofu taco, and fried green tomato taco, as well as fried rice and fried corn on the cob, along with a great drink selection. It is also worth driving to neighboring Burlington – about a ten-minute drive southeast – to Hursey’s Bar-B-Q, which offers incredible Piedmont style BBQ (a combination of both Eastern and Western) with delicious sandwiches and plates, and some of the most incredible hush puppies ever served. The town of Elon itself doesn’t have much to do, though it is worth taking a walk around campus, as Elon was voted the prettiest campus in the country by the Princeton Review a number of times. However, Burlington is just a short drive away and there is a fair amount to do there. Animal lovers can check out the Animal Park at the Conservators Center to see more than twenty species of animals up close, including lions, tigers, and wolves, while those who enjoy shopping can check out Granddaddy’s Antique Mall, take a stroll in historic downtown Burlington, or shop at Alamance Crossing, or a little further away at the Tanger Outlets in Mebane. History buffs can check out the Alamance Battleground in Burlington, a pre-revolutionary war battleground where farmers clashed with Governor Tryon’s Regulators in 1771. Or, those with children can visit City Park in Burlington which features a playground, train, boat ride, and an early twentieth-century carousel being refurbished and expected to be finished in 2021, or you can drive down to Graham for the Children’s Museum of Alamance County. The closest hotel to the stadium (a half mile away) is the luxury twelve suite Acorn Inn, but if the prices are too steep or rooms are sold out, the next closest hotels are about a ten-minute drive south in Burlington, where you’ll find a number of the classic hotel chains such as Best Western, Courtyard by Marriott, and Country Inn and Suites. Fans 4 Elon University has an unfortunate situation in certain ways; it’s located within an hour of four Power Five ACC schools in Wake Forest, Duke, UNC, and NC State, and therefore has a lot of bigger dogs to contend with. Also, Elon has a student body of just under 7,000 students so normally in that situation it would be easy to expect sparse crowds. However, as Elon has moved into the Colonial Athletic Conference and built a competitive football program, fan attendance is on the rise. Elon averaged 7,387 fans two seasons ago and 8,267 last year; both were good for sixth in a twelve-team conference. However, context is important as the programs they rank behind include the likes of Richmond, James Madison, and Delaware, all of whom have claimed national championships and have established themselves over the years as forces in the conference. Elon is continuing to build a winning tradition, having only been in Division 1 Football for twenty years and the competitive CAA for five seasons. The fans are loud and passionate, decked out in Maroon and Gold, and there is a fun tailgating scene. The crowd is engaged throughout the game, cheering on their Phoenix. There is also a sizeable student presence which is nice to see from a smaller school. As Elon continues to win, and become a fixture in the CAA, the fan support likely will continue to increase. Access 3 Rhodes Stadium is a beautiful place to watch a football game, but getting to the stadium can sometimes prove challenging. Parking lots open five hours before game time, so it is worth getting to the game fairly early, as traffic closer to game time does get a little tough, especially as you approach campus. Parking is located in the Hunt B Parking lot behind the Schar Center, across the street from the stadium, for ten dollars. There is also parking at the Arts West Parking lot a bit further away. It’s free of charge, but it’s a bit of a walk and there are no shuttles. Handicap parking is available in that lot as well as in three other lots around campus, though a permit is required to park in the other lots around campus, such as the Global Neighborhood Hunt A and Ingrid lots where handicap parking can be utilized. Elon does offer Biobus service from campus to Burlington, Gibsonville, and other surrounding areas, however on Saturdays these services are limited and no public transportation to Burlington is offered. This can be a challenge because Elon does not have a Greyhound or Amtrak Station, and while Burlington has an Amtrak Station, on Saturdays there is no public transit to get from the station to campus, so if you don’t drive, rideshares like Uber or Lyft would be your best option, which can be a little expensive. The main gate gets you in through the south end zone, and getting into the stadium is not too hard. The concourses are fairly wide though at times they can get a little congested. Bathrooms are clean and there is plenty of handicap seating throughout the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices at Elon are not too expensive and are generally around twenty dollars. Add the reasonable food prices and, though parking is a little steep, it comes out as a very solid deal to take in an Elon Phoenix game in a scenic intimate setting at Rhodes Stadium. Extras 5 One point goes to the stadium itself – not every college football stadium has such great sightlines. Proximity to the action, either in one of the seating sections or on the lawn, contributes to a positive game experience. Point number two goes to the wide variety of affordable and local cuisine that Rhodes Stadium offers, while another point is for The Fire of the Carolinas (an appropriate name for the Phoenix’s band), which is one of the better smaller school bands I’ve heard. The fourth point is for the amount of tailgating around the stadium, a real addition to the pregame atmosphere, and the final point goes to Elon’s campus, a plausible candidate for prettiest campus in the country. Final Thoughts Elon University can be easy to miss if you’re just driving along I-40 across North Carolina. And, while it doesn’t have bigger conference ties that schools like NC State, UNC, East Carolina, or App State might have, a football game at Rhodes Stadium is absolutely worth attending. There is the close proximity of the action, there’s the fun of weighing in on the battle for BBQ Supremacy, there’s getting a scoop of Smitty’s Ice Cream, and finally there’s listening to the sounds of The Fire of the Carolinas while watching the passionate fans decked out in Maroon and Gold cheer on their Phoenix. Elon is getting more settled in the Colonial Athletic Conference, and with the team performance improving and fan attendance increasing, the Phoenix is truly rising up to become one of the top tier football experiences in North Carolina.

Photos by Chris Green and Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Memorial Stadium 76 Canyon Rd Berkeley, CA 94704 California Golden Bears website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 63,186 Roll On You Bears When it comes to college football’s historic venues, Memorial Stadium in Berkeley is arguably one of the more underrated experiences. Because the football program does not have the glorious history of fellow Pac-12 foe USC or some of the nation’s other top-notch programs, Memorial Stadium is not talked of much when it comes to the ultimate college football experience. Though the University of California may be known to some for its activities away from athletics, Memorial Stadium has produced its share of Sunday afternoon gridironers from Craig Morton, Steve Bartkowski, Chuck Muncie, Tony Gonzalez and Jared Goff, to name a few. So historic is Memorial Stadium on November 27, 2006 it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Memorial Stadium is certainly not short on memorable moments, one that includes one of college football’s most iconic endings on some November afternoon in 1982, one that still conjures up bitter memories to then Stanford’s senior QB and future NFL Hall of Famer John Elway. Food & Beverage 4 There is no shortage of food and beverage choices. Below are some of the vast options available for the hungry and thirsty fans… Standard – Hot dogs, burgers, chips, peanuts, pretzels. Pepsi products and bottled water, candy Peet’s Café – Coffee or hot cocoa in a Cal souvenir hot beverage cup, chicken or veggie wraps, kale & cranberry salads Mexican – Tacos, nachos and burritos, churros Others – BBQ chicken on a stick, pineapple sausage skewers, smoked brats, spicy beef hot links Beer and Wine – Bud Light, Firestone 805 and Cupcake Pinot Noir Rotating food trucks for each game are also available along the east concourse and feature many of the Bay Area’s ethnic tastes, including a Greek Food truck that serves up chicken, lamb or mixed gyro’s. If you’re looking to dine on anything but stadium food, there are vast dining options along Shattuck Avenue in Downtown Berkeley. One of my favorites is Ike’s. Ike’s, a popular Bay Area sandwich shop with locations slowly and continuously opening nationwide, is known for its huge sandwiches. My favorite is the off the menu Big Jerry’s Meat on Dutch Crunch bread. Atmosphere 4 Being that the stadium is uniquely constructed into the side of a hill, those willing to make the hike can watch the game for free from Tightwad Hill, providing a view from some 100 feet above the east rim of the stadium. Many of the fans here are regulars even when ticket availability is aplenty. Here also resides the victory cannon, which is fired after each Cal scoring play and after each victory. The views along Tightwad Hill and along the stands of the east rim extend all the way across San Francisco Bay, offering some of the most gorgeous views in college football. Even with its recent, renovations Memorial Stadium still maintains its classic college bowl feel. Because of its bowl shape structure, unless there is a sizable crowd particularly for The Big Game against rival Stanford, crowd noise can fade. That does not put a damper on the enthusiasm particularly from the students who occupy much of the east stands. Sight lines have also improved greatly since the recent renovations and no matter where one is seated, you will never be far from the action. Before you head into the game, the lack of tailgating is made up by the numerous college frat parties going on along the streets leading to Memorial Stadium, giving you the true college feel. Neighborhood 4 If you decide to arrive early, public transit is a great option. A great way to arrive is by way of the Bay Area Rapid Transit subway (BART). The BART has a station in Downtown Berkeley on Shattuck Avenue. Along Shattuck, you will find plenty of pre and post-game dining options. If it’s your first time in Berkeley and you would like to soak in some if its history, you will want to walk up Bancroft Way toward the historic Sather Gate. Once the formal south entrance to campus, the Sather Gate has been the site over the years to many a free speech, and a key location for countless political movements. Not far from the famous Sather Gate is the Sather Tower, another recognizable Bay Area landmark. The Sather Tower, also known as the Campanile, is the third-tallest bell and clock tower in the world. A visit to the observation platform gives you some breathtaking views of the Bay Area and is $4 to the general public, $3 for youth and seniors. This is another must-do for first time visitors to Berkeley. Fans 3 Attendance for Cal Bears game can vary depending on various factors, team performance and start time among them. With the recent renovation decreasing seating capacity to around 63,000, a decent crowd of over 40,000 doesn’t appear as empty as say, The Rose Bowl, where its seating capacity of over 80,000 can make attendance look sparse. The fans who do make the trek to Strawberry Canyon are very vocal. The Rally Committee does an outstanding job of keeping the fans involved with traditional cheers such as “Roll On You Bears” and “This is Bear Territory” after each win. Traditions are aplenty at Berkeley. One of the prouder traditions among the students is letting a red-clad fan know whose home they’re in with a chant of “TAKE OFF THAT RED SHIRT!,” a reference to their rival Stanford. Access 3 As with any college town, parking can be a hassle.Fortunately, there is enough public transit passing through campus, provided by Alameda County Transit.If you are traveling from San Francisco, Oakland, or points beyond, the Bay Area Rapid Transit rail system (BART) is a viable option.As you exit the BART station, if you have any pre or post-game dining desires, Shattuck Avenue offers plenty of pre and post-game entertainment and dining.BART fares vary based on point of travel.The Downtown Berkeley BART Station is a 15-20 minute walk from Memorial Stadium.From the Downtown BART, walk a couple blocks south to Bancroft Way, make a left and walk east toward the stadium.If you are worried about directions, chances are great that other fans will be walking from the Downtown BART.In other words, just follow the crowd! Return on Investment 3 Like most athletic programs, the price for tickets can vary with prices starting at $35 for general admission end zone seats, which can border on reasonable or pricey depending on if you’re looking to watch a high-tier program or just looking to soak in the college game day atmosphere. Should you find yourself getting the most affordably priced ticket you will never be too far from the action. Some of the upper rows along the east rim offer not only a good view of the action but some gorgeous views of Berkeley and the Bay Area all the way across the bay. Though the game day experience may not rival the one’s at some of the more top-tier programs such as Alabama or Ohio State, with its on-campus location nestled along the hills, the atmosphere and surroundings will certainly scream college game day. Extras 0 If you have time after the game, check out the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame located outside the west end of the stadium. The HOF features 315 individuals and seven rowing teams. As you walk along the interior concourse you will see murals honoring past Golden Bears greats such as Aaron Rogers and Marshawn Lynch, as well as other great moments in Cal Athletics, among them, The Play, one of college football’s most memorable highlights that occurred against rival Stanford in 1982 that involved several desperation laterals, the Stanford Band and its trombone player (I’m sure many of you know the story to this…) The Cal Band is never short on entertainment, performing for fans not only throughout the game, but prior to as well, as they can be seen performing on campus at Sproul Plaza, and after the games. Often times, when the visiting school brings their band, they are invited to participate with the Cal Band. Final Thoughts Because most games are played during the afternoon the warm California climate and the views extending across the bay make Memorial Stadium one of college football’s more picturesque settings.The football team has seen its share of recent excitement, capped off by its recent victory over Stanford in The Big Game, bringing back The Stanford Axe for the first time in nine years.For the second year in a row, Cal will be in a post season bowl.If the exciting finish to the 2019 season is any indication, more exciting moments are ahead for the Sons of California.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 3911 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90037 USC Trojans website Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 77,500 Restoring The Conquest The USC Trojan football program has a longstanding history of success, boasting 11 National Titles, 6 Heisman Trophy winners and producing countless NFL players. The United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has hosted many memorable moments since its opening in 1923, hosting not only USC football but also their cross-town rivals UCLA, as well as the home of the NFL Rams and Raiders, the Summer Olympic Games of 1932 and 1984, two Super Bowls, and served as a temporary home to the Major League Baseball’s Dodgers from 1958-61, 1959 hosting the World Series. A recently completed $315-million renovation to The Grand Old Lady has brought her seating capacity from over 90,000 to 77,500, along with many other much needed enhancements. Food & Beverage 4 Beyond the traditional dogs and burgers, the options are abundant, particularly with the vast food truck selections throughout the venue, offering Mexican fare such as shrimp tacos and three colors al pastor/asada nachos. Other food offerings include Korean fried chicken, braised short rib mac n cheese, and one of my favorites, poutine, a Canadian favorite that comes with fries topped with gravy and cheese curds and your choice of braised short rib or roasted cauliflower. Flavored Italian ice, churros, and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies available in sleeves of 14 or buckets of 36 are some of the sweet treats available. Beverages available are Coca-Cola products, bottled water, as well as fresh squeezed lemonade. Domestic and premium beer from 805 Beer is also available until the third quarter. Atmosphere 4 When the Men of Troy are competing for a Pac-12 title and a high echelon bowl game, the atmosphere can reach a fevered peak. When expectations are far below the standards set for the 11 time National Champions, the decline in interest can be evident. Should you decide to start your pregame festivities on campus, you will want to make a trip to Heritage Hall. Located in the center of campus, inside you will find numerous exhibits, photos and plaques paying tribute to the many Trojan great athletes and championship teams. You will also want to check out the Hall of Champions, where you can view the 6 Heisman Trophies, as well as the statue of Tommy Trojan doing his signature pregame stabbing of the field with his sword. The bronze statue of Tommy Trojan, that is undoubtedly recognized by both admirers and detractors, is located near the campus bookstore. Not only is the statue of Tommy Trojan a huge symbol of USC, it serves as a good meeting place for fans prior to the game. Every year during the week leading up to their annual rivalry game with UCLA, the statue is wrapped in duct tape and guarded by the Trojan Knights to protect their beloved Tommy from any potential vandalism that may be caused by their rivals from Westwood. As fans taking part in their on-campus pregame tailgate/festivities make their way to the Coliseum, another one of their traditions is the kicking of the flagpoles for good luck. The flagpoles are at the end of Trousdale Walk and Jefferson Blvd. The Spirit of Troy Marching Band, easily one of the most recognizable collegiate bands, is an integral part of the game day experience, as well as their mascot Traveler. Aside from their huge presence at sporting events, the Trojan Marching Band has made numerous other TV and movie appearances, as well as performing on Fleetwood Mac’s, Tusk. The Trojan Marching Band and Traveler are believed to have a huge impact not only on the team but on the opponents as well. The sights and sounds of both the band and Traveler will be engrained in your brain from the pregame festivities through the final whistle. Two songs you will hear constantly are “Tribute to Troy” and “Fight On.” “Conquest” is played following every USC touchdown. During “Conquest,” Traveler, a live pure white Arabian/Tennessee Walker horse, trots out of the Coliseum tunnel from end zone to end zone along the sidelines behind the Trojan wields a sword high overhead. Another tradition involving Traveler is the lighting of the torch prior to the 4th quarter, in which the famed horse once again lets loose along the north sidelines toward the east end zone, wielding his sword toward the Coliseum torch, thus “lighting” the torch. Neighborhood 3 The area inside the USC campus has experienced a revitalization over the last few years with mixed-use development extending inside USC Village. Across the street from the Coliseum on Figueroa is upscale student housing known as Tuscany. On the street level are such eateries as The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Quizno’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Chick-fil-A and Chipotle. Along Figueroa Street north of campus past Jefferson Blvd. are more fast food options. On the grounds of the Coliseum is Exposition Park. If you are looking for other activities prior to the game, the California African American Museum, as well as the Natural History Museum and the California ScienCenter are located inside the park. To be able to visit all the museums and fully take in the experience, you would probably need two days. If you’re limited on time, you may want to visit the California ScienCenter, home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Fans 3 USC fans have lofty expectations. They are spoiled by success. Each coach after the Pete Carroll days up to the most recently fired Clay Helton has felt the wrath of the SC Faithful. USC fans can be a demanding bunch and are not shy in voicing their displeasure toward the team. They expect nothing short of at least a Rose Bowl appearance. When seasons such as this past 2021 fall far below expectations fans can stay away in droves as has been the case for much of this season. That’s what comes with a program that’s used to a high level of success in a city with plenty of sports and entertainment options. The fans that continue to show up are decked in Cardinal and Gold garb and carry on the many traditions that go along with the expectations of the storied USC football program. Access 4 The Coliseum is about three miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles and adjacent to the USC campus. The stadium can be reached from the 10 or the 110. Like all freeway thoroughfares in L.A, traffic can be a test of your patience. There is not a single large parking lot, but rather multiple satellite lots (with 20,000 spaces) that are typically priced based on proximity to the stadium. Should you decide to use public transit rather than drive, the MTA’s Metro Expo Line has a station conveniently located across the street from campus, a short walk away as you walk through Exposition Park. The Expo Line also offers convenient connections with other MTA rail and bus lines should you want to explore more of L.A. throughout your stay. Once inside the stadium you will find a concourse the encircles the entire stadium. If your seats are on the upper level, expect some rather intimidating inclines. Because of the venue’s age, some of the steps are rather uneven. Don’t shy away from using the handrails. Fortunately, for those who are seated on the upper level who do not wish to navigate up the stairs, three escalators, two of them on the south concourse, one for upper general seating and one for the newly added luxury suites are on site. As part of the enhancements, handrails, as well as anti-slip coating have been added to the aisles of the seating bowls. Return on Investment 3 Even with the recent improvements to the Grand Old Lady, tickets for most games are always available. When seasons like this past 2021 season occur tickets can be found below face value throughout 3rd party sites. For the annual premier games against either Notre Dame or UCLA or other prime opponents such as Oregon, expect the face value to start at a minimum of $110. In a market with a vast amount of both sports and entertainment, ticket prices to watch a team performing below expectations, at least in the eyes of the locals, can be a tough sell as even the past rivalry games against Notre Dame and UCLA have failed to sell out. A good number of seats, particularly those on the east end of the stadium are quite a distance from the field so you may want to do some research before making your ticket purchase. Otherwise, if you are just looking to take in the action regardless of your seating location, you can expect to take in the experience of one of college football’s more storied programs. Extras 4 Rivalry games create a great atmosphere at the Coliseum. The annual game with Notre Dame is for the Jeweled Shillelagh. The two teams combined have more national championship teams, Heisman Trophy winners, and All-Americans than any other college football matchup. Since 1926, the two have met every year. Let’s not forget the Pac-12 crosstown rivalry game with UCLA. One of the more intense rivalries, these two teams both called the Coliseum home until 1981, when UCLA would move to The Rose Bowl in 1982. Until 1982, both schools donned their home jerseys, a tradition that has since been restored in 2008, making for one of the more colorful rivalries between Cardinal and Gold clashing against Blue and Gold. Every year, the two play for the Victory Bell, the frame painted either Red or Blue depending on who has possession. During your visit to the stadium, be sure to walk by the arches on the “Peristyle End” and check out the “Court of Honor.” This memorial has many plaques to recognize the events or achievements that have occurred at the stadium. Notable names such as Daniel Reeves, Jesse Owens, Pope John Paul II, Jackie Robinson, John Wooden, and Jerry West all hold a place in the Court. If the Olympic rings and arches weren’t enough, check out the “Olympic Gateway” in front of the Coliseum. Created in 1984 by Robert Graham, this structure rises 25 feet above ground and has headless male and female bodies made of bronze. Prior to the 4th quarter of each USC game, Traveler makes his way to the peristyle end of the field behind the end zone for the Lighting of The Torch, which Traveler’s rider, dressed as a Trojan warrior, will raise his sword toward the famous torch to light up the flame. Final Thoughts As one of the more venerable venues, the recent renovations have done nothing to take away from the Grand Old Lady’s history. The famous peristyle that has seen many an appearance throughout the years will always be a part of the Coliseum’s lore. After recently sharing their home with the Rams for 4 seasons the Trojans have the gridiron all to themselves. The 2021 season may have been a disappointment but their recent hire of head coach Lincoln Riley has the Trojan following excited for 2022 as they look to Restore The Conquest.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Stroh Center 1535 E Wooster St Bowling Green, OH 43403 Bowling Green State Falcons website Stroh Center website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 5,209 What’s Happening at the Stroh Center The Stroh Center debuted for the Bowling Green State University basketball program in 2011. The building was designed by the architectural firm Rossetti Architects and engineering firm URS Group Incorporated. The modern home for Falcons basketball was quoted by the school president as “one of the most significant building and remodeling programs in our history.” The arena stands out promptly on the BGSU campus and was a much-needed improvement over its former home Anderson Center that was constructed in 1960 and had run its course as a serviceable NCAA college venue. The building had only two restrooms, no air conditioning, hardwood bleacher-style seating, and was not compliant with ADA standards. The Toledo Blade stated that “the memories are great, but it’s time to move on.” The $36 million Stroh Center features a $7.7 million donation–the largest single private gift in school history–by BGSU trustee Kerm Stroh and his family. For the family’s contribution, the building was named in their honor. Outside the main entrance is the largest bronze falcon statue weighing two tons with a 24-foot wingspan atop a ten-foot-tall column. The arena is ranked by U.S. Green Building Council as LEED Gold Certified. The basketball program began on January 8, 1916, and has made four NCAA Championship tournaments, the last in 1968, the fourth-longest drought behind Dartmouth, Tennessee Tech, and Columbia. However, after a 22-12 record in 2018/19 and a fast start to the current season (2019/20), that drought could come to an end very soon for the Falcon faithful. Food & Beverage 3 There are four main concession stands on the main concourse of the building that offer a rather simple array of food items. The Birds Nest stands are painted nicely with falcons in flight and serve hot dogs, brats, nachos, popcorn, and candy. The nachos are served with locally produced Stadium Salsa that is quite good and made with natural ingredients that can be pronounced. Coca-Cola products are available at all stands and 20-ounce bottles of Bud products and Yuengling are served for $7 with sales ceasing at the beginning of the second half of the basketball game. Beer is also offered in the Anderson Club, a 400 seat hospitality area that is located at midcourt on the south side of the arena. Atmosphere 3 The Stroh Center offers a capacity of 5,209 people and is considered one of the best in the Mid-Athletic Conference. The building features a wraparound concourse where fans walk down to their seats that houses concession stands, the Anderson Room, and multiple restrooms for men and women. The basketball program’s history is on display in the south concourse where a mural highlights moments from dating back to 1915 and an homage to legendary coach Harold Anderson who guided Brown and Orange to a record of 367-193 during 21 seasons. Multiple banners hang from the rafters of past championship victories from the men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball history.-who also share the facility. There is a 10-foot by 20-foot high video board that hangs above the west basket of the building that provides highlights, replays, and advertisements. There is also a Hall of Fame that features rotating exhibits and displays of BGSU memorabilia. The Schmidthurst Pavilion is an auxiliary gym located on the north side of the gym named in honor of Allen and Carol Schmidthurst who donated $1.7 million for its creation. Neighborhood 3 Stroh Center is located on BGSU campus within a few yards of other athletic venues including Doyt L. Perry Stadium, Slater Family Ice Arena, and the baseball and softball fields. Just across the street of the basketball arena are various fast food chains and hotels. Downtown is about a mile west of campus that offers a few more options. BG Burgers is across the street from the building and features locally-sourced burgers where customers can build their own or choose from special menu items. They also have chicken wings, Panini sandwiches, or desserts from The Cheesecake Factory. However, they are open until 10 pm (11 pm on weekends); it might be wise to grab something before the game. City Tap and The Attic in historic downtown offers its own range of freshly made burgers plus many craft beers on tap from $4.50 to $5.50. The Jackie O Coffee Blonde is quite tasty; their grill closes before 10 pm on weekends. The downtown core features buildings constructed during the city’s “brief boom” from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. The storefronts have been kept intact while the interiors have been altered into bars, restaurants, shops, and other forms of retail. One of them is Grounds for Thought, an impressive coffee shop and used book store that is quite large and busy with customers playing board games, using their computers, having something to eat or drink, putting a puzzle together, or catching up with some reading. Fans 2 The Falcons averaged 2,296 fans per game last season (2018-19), a bit under the conference average of 2,995. The basketball program has posted only 6 winning seasons this century, but the current team might be able to get the team back on the winning side and get fans to the Stroh Center. Access 4 The arena is located off I-75 less than a fourth of a mile from the exit and accessible from the main street. The parking is ample, there are two entrances, and there is plenty of access to restroom and concession areas inside the building. It is easy to locate and easier to exit once the game has concluded. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets are $13 to $15 for a majority of home games at the Stroh Center. Games against rival Toledo will fetch between $20-$22 due to the proximity of about 20 miles from the two universities. There is one game where tickets are $1 for Fan Appreciation Night. The cost for parking is $5 and concession items are slightly higher than expected, but not too surprising for a sporting event. Extras 3 The Stroh Center earns a point for the 2-ton bronze falcon statue outside its main entrance. The statue features a wingspan of 24 feet and makes for great photography with the building in the background. The Stroh Center stands out from the main street into town with giant orange lettering, tall glass windows, and a slanted roof design. It is also LEED gold-certified for its energy use, lighting, water, and material use as well as incorporating other sustainable strategies. The Stroh Center earns a final point for its Stadium Salsa which is also available in all other venues and at local supermarkets in the area. It is made with natural ingredients and tastes much better than some of the natural brands. Final Thoughts The Stroh Center is a beautiful looking building that seats 5,209 people and is perfectly sized for the campus and basketball program. It has a few modern touches that puts it among the elite of buildings in the MAC, and a few more wins could change the atmosphere of the place.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Hartsell Arena College Blvd Pensacola, FL 32502 Pensacola State College Pirates website Hartsell Arena website Year Opened: 1948 Capacity: 1,000 JUCO B-ball in Pensacola Pensacola State College opened its doors in 1948 as Pensacola Junior College, the first college of any kind in the Pensacola area. PSC is the largest college in west Florida with 36,000 students. In 2010 the college began operating as a four-year university and began offering bachelor’s degrees. To reflect these changes it changed its name to Pensacola State College. However, even though PSC is now a four-year university, its athletic programs still compete at the JUCO level. Pensacola State currently fields five sports and competes in the NJCAA Panhandle Conference, which includes four other schools in the panhandle area of Florida (Northwest Florida State College, Chipola College, Tallahassee CC, and Gulf Coast State College). The Pirates have won 16 Panhandle Conference Titles and 5 Florida State titles, but perhaps the Pirates greatest feat happened during the 1992-93 season, when the Pirates claimed their first and only NJCAA National Championship. The Pirates were coached during this time period by current UL-Lafayette head coach Bob Marlin, who led PSC to a 123-35 record during his five years at the school and claimed NJCAA National Coach of the Year honors for the 1992-93 season. Hartsell Arena was renovated in 1988 with the addition of the Lou Ross Center. Named after the first basketball coach at PSC, the building includes the athletic department offices, PSC Athletics Hall of Fame, ticket office, and an Olympic-sized indoor pool. The arena originally opened when the college opened, but it wasn’t much until the addition of the Ross Center in 1988. The arena was renovated again in 2005 after Hurricane Ivan caused extensive damage to the college the year before, and in 2007 the venue was officially renamed Hartsell Arena, named after former school president Ed Hartsell. Notable members of the Hall of Fame include former Miami Heat center and 2-time NBA Champion Joel Anthony, current Vice President of the Utah Jazz Dennis Lindsey, former San Francisco Giant infielder Greg Litton, and professional boxer Roy Jones Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There is a very small stand located on the concourse to the left as soon as you walk into the building. The options are limited to hamburgers ($4), nachos ($3), hot dogs ($2.50), and chips and candy ($2), with Coke being the soft drink provider selling 20oz bottles for $2. Overall the prices are reasonable but the options are extremely limited, so my recommendation would be to get something at one of the Pensacola area restaurants. Atmosphere 3 The arena is located on the west side of the Lou Ross Center, with one main entrance on the south side of the building. As soon as you walk in the door there is a hallway that serves as the makeshift concourse. The beautiful and spacious concourse is a pretty nice set up with carpeted floors and the concession stands to the left, plus the PSC Athletics Hall of Fame with myriad trophies the school has won over the years. The most noticeable thing you notice when entering the court is the ceiling – the arch shaped ceiling is unique and definitely makes the place stand out. The whole court is also lit up really well with the court facing north and south, with two main entrances onto the court. Seats on the east side of the building extend 6 rows, and they are actually pretty comfortable chair back seats with cup holders that extend from one end of the court to the other. On the west side of the building there are 12 rows of bleacher-style seats that also extend from all the way along the sideline. Also, covering the walls of the building are all the men’s and women’s championship banners, including the 1993 JUCO National Championship banner located on the east wall of the building, and the trophy located in the trophy case in the hallway where you walked in. The atmosphere on both sides is pretty relaxed, and there are local high school cheerleading squads that perform during halftime. But other than that there isn’t much in terms of entertainment; there isn’t even music played during timeouts, although the PA announcer does a good job of trying to pump up the crowd. Pensacola State Banners, Photo by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 The campus is located in a fairly busy area of Pensacola. Directly across the street to the west lies the gigantic Sacred Heart Hospital, and directly across the street to the east lies Pensacola International Airport. Directly across the street to the south lies Cordova Mall, the largest indoor shopping center in western Florida, with chain stores including Dick’s, Best Buy, Dillard’s, and Belk, and you can also find just about any typical mall store inside. In addition, outside the mall in the parking lot you can find all kinds of restaurants such as Panera Bread, Red Robin, Twin Peaks, Chick-fil-A, Zoes Kitchen, Steak ‘n Shake, Chili’s, Newk’s, and Firehouse Subs. A restaurant I recommend in the Cordova Mall parking lot is BJ’s Brewhouse – BJ’s is a typical bar food set up that brews its own beer inside the restaurant and has over 60 beers on tap. The Tuscan Oven Pizzeria across the street is a pretty popular pizza place as well. In addition to the mall, if you go down the main road (9th Street) you can find every typical chain restaurant found in most decent sized cities. There is a movie theatre and a bowling alley located across the street as well, but if you want to experience Pensacola’s nightlife at its best then take a 15-minute drive south to Seville Quarter or Palafox Street. Seville Quarter, which is modeled after New Orleans’ French Quarter, has many different bars and restaurants and is Pensacola’s main nightlife spot. In addition, Palafox Street has hundreds of different bars and restaurants; downtown Pensacola is a really pretty and popular downtown spot and I definitely recommend making a trip down there if you are in town. Fans 2 For this level of basketball there isn’t going to be more than a couple hundred fans in attendance on any particular night, and because of this fans are pretty reserved for the most part, but there are often a lot of visiting fans in attendance because of the close proximity of many of the schools in the conference. There is a small student section taking up the whole of the southwest grandstands, but most of them are playing on their phones. But for the most part many of the fans seem to be either friends or family members of the players, or visiting fans from out of town. Also, because there is not any music being played in the arena, it definitely takes away from the fan engagement. Access 3 Depending on which way you are coming to PSC determines whether the access is convenient or not. The campus is located on the northeast side of the city just south of I-10, so if coming from the east or west, I-10 will be your best bet. Just take Davis Highway, which is one of the main highways in Pensacola, and the campus is located a couple of blocks east of the road. Things can be a bit more difficult if coming from the downtown area, as traffic can be terrible depending on what time of day it is – from there just take I-110 to the Brent Lane exit and the campus is located just off 9th Street; though the campus is only about 8 miles from downtown, with traffic taken into consideration the drive could be a lot longer. Luckily the bulk of the weeknight games tipoff at 7:30 pm. which allows for plenty of time for traffic to die down. If flying in from out of town, the campus is conveniently located directly across the street from the airport – you could fly into Pensacola and walk across the street and you’ll be there is less than 5 minutes. PSC is mostly a commuter school, however, so although 36,000 students are enrolled, it doesn’t mean the campus is so large that it’s difficult to find your way around. There is also a lot of construction going on around campus right now, so certain roads and some parking lots tend to be blocked off. However, Hartsell Arena is located in the center of campus, so it is not hard to find and there is plenty of parking near the venue. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are five bucks which allows you to sit anywhere in the arena, and they allow re-entry so you can come and go. The concessions are cheap and parking is not a hassle at all, so I consider this a good return on investment. Games are pretty short on the JUCO level, rarely exceeding an hour and a half total, so you won’t be in the building long before the game is over. Extras 2 The Lou Ross Center, the building that houses the basketball arena, is a favorite stop for presidential candidates who use the venue for their campaign stops in Pensacola. Bob Dole, Dick Cheney, and John McCain have all used the Lou Ross Center during their presidential bids. The building is also a beautiful structure and has been completely redone following Hurricane Ivan’s damage in 2004. Final Thoughts Hartsell Arena is actually a pretty nice building for this level of college basketball. Its low-arched ceilings, comfortable chair back seats, and well-lit interior make for a very pleasant place to watch a basketball game. I don’t recommend going out of your way, but if you are in the area and want to catch a quick college basketball game then check out Pensacola State College.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium Champions Way Tallahassee, FL 32304 Florida State Seminoles website Bobby Bowden Field at Doak Campbell Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 79,560 The House that Bobby Built For over 60 years Doak Campbell Stadium at Bobby Bowden Field has played host to one of the most storied college football programs in the country, the Florida State Seminoles. Nestled amongst palm trees and Spanish moss trees lies perhaps one of the true meccas in college football. The ‘Noles have produced three national championships, eighteen conference titles, three Heisman winners, and can lay claim to having one of the greatest coaches to ever coach football grace its sidelines for 25 years, Bobby Bowden. During the Bowden era the Seminoles became one of the most dominant teams in all of college football, and during the 1990s the ‘Noles were the most successful college football program in the country, boasting a win percentage of 89% and playing in five national championships between 1993 and 2001. Florida State University, originally called West Florida Seminary, was founded in 1851 and is located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in the state of Florida. Over the years the college changed names several times, including being called Florida State College in 1902 when it fielded its first football team. The football program would go on hiatus in 1905 when the school was renamed Florida State College for Women, but the program restarted once the college began accepting males again in 1947. Doak Campbell Stadium opened in 1950 with a seating capacity of 15,000 and was named after the FSU president at the time. Over the years its capacity changed substantially, bringing the current capacity to 79,560. Doak Campbell Stadium is currently the second-largest stadium in the ACC and the 18th-largest in college football, and in addition it is the largest continuous brick structure in the country. Numerous renovations and expansions have happened over the years; a new press box and PA system was installed in 2003, two new scoreboards were installed in 2008, and in 2016 the stadium added the Dunlap Champions Club located in the south end zone – this three-story club lounge is truly a unique experience, and is one of the premiere experience in all of college football. Food & Beverage 3 College football stadiums are not known for expansive and diverse food options, and there’s no exception here. The majority of fans will get something to eat beforehand or eat at a tailgating spot. If you have access to the Champions Club, then this rating would get a 5, but I’ll give it a 3 and take it from the perspective of an average fan. As soon as you enter the gate the thing that stands out is the numerous concessions stands located down the concourse. The stands weren’t set up like regular stands where the stand would be against a wall and you walk up to the counter and order your food; here the stands are in the middle of the walkway, meaning you can walk around them if you want to. I’m not sure if these were set up this way to help with crowd control, because no matter where you go there is not a line at all. The food and beverage people do an excellent job of providing a various assortment of concessions stands on the first and second floors. The main stand seems to be the Gridiron Grill with 12 locations throughout the stadium (6 on each floor). This stand sells the usual ballpark food such as sausage ($6); hot dogs and tubs of popcorn ($5); nachos, pretzels, and peanuts ($4); and candy ($3). Coke is the main soft drink provider, and there are many other stands as well such as a pretzel stand on the lower level, a gourmet hot dog stand on the upper level, four Spear It Treats stands that sell various ice creams and candies, six Pizza Hut stands, and two Chick-fil-A stands. FSU alums and Oprah’s personal chef Art Smith also have two specialty stands set up on the lower level called Art’s Southern Fanfare. A wide assortment of southern foods awaits you at this stand including hush puppies, fried chicken sandwiches, grits, and biscuits. There are also four Seminole Subs stands that sell a wide assortment of various subs and po’ boys, as well as three Sonny’s BBQ stands that sell beef brisket and pulled pork sandwiches. There are also two Bodacious Burgers restaurants located on each level, which sells large burgers for $10. Then, on the north end zone in the upper level is an Italian food restaurant, and all of these are just the stands for an average fan, not to mention the club level food options. If you have a Champions Club pass the score of this rating goes up to 5. The club has an indoor and outdoor full spread buffet set up with everything you can imagine. This set up is quite glamorous to say the least, all the food and drink you can imagine and it’s all free with the purchase of the pass. There is also a 4 Rivers Smokehouse located in this area; the Orlando-based restaurant is known for its BBQ and is finally branching out into other areas of the southeast. As more and more college football stadiums are beginning to sell alcohol, FSU is starting to follow this trend as well. There are currently two places in Doak Campbell Stadium you can buy alcohol, but the only catch is that the alcohol has to be consumed in designated areas. This rule does not apply to people in the Club level and suites, where you can drink alcohol anywhere. Atmosphere 5 You know you are in a special place before you even walk into the stadium. The Spanish moss trees and palm trees really set the tone for the atmosphere outside Doak Campbell Stadium. The entire campus is lined with the beautiful trees, and with the Florida State Capitol Building off in the distance, it really does embody the spirit and culture of the state of Florida. The 1600-acre campus is spread out, and all of the buildings, including the stadium, look the same and are either made of brick or are garnet colored. It seems tailgating is spread out forever around the campus, and there are even fans tailgating in the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center parking lot which is over a mile away. Even though the FSU program isn’t what it used to be, it’s nice to see that people still come to tailgate even though most of them don’t go into the game. The stadium is a part of the University Center complex, which includes classrooms, a team store, and the FSU visitor center. Because of the stadium’s multi-use setup, there are numerous entrances into the Doak Campbell Stadium, and not all the entrances lead to the stands. For instance, the College of Communication’s advising office is located at Gate D as classrooms, and the College of Social Work is located at the Gate C entrance. Gates open 2 hours prior to kickoff and there are 8 entrances, Gates A through H, and with there being enough entrances around the stadium, congestion never really occurs. Doak Campbell Stadium is beginning to show its age – the concourses are old and dark, and the whole stadium is just one big concrete structure so it is starting to show cracks. But its gritty appearance only adds to the experience. The stadium is set up in a north-south configuration, with the home sideline located on the west and the visiting team set up on the east. The only upper deck is located in the Champions Club on the south end zone. The rest of the stadium is shaped like a bowl, with a lower and upper concourse located on both sides. There are 86 rows on each side of the grandstands and all the seats are basic bleacher seating; you can start at row 1 and walk all the way up the 86 steps to get to the top of the stadium to get gorgeous views of downtown Tallahassee. In addition, the 57×120-foot, 7200-square-foot scoreboard was installed in the north end zone in 2016 ranks is one of the top ten largest scoreboards in all of college football. All colleges have their own traditions, but perhaps the most amazing tradition in all of college football happens at Doak Campbell Stadium when Chief Osceola and his horse Renegade charge the field. The chief then throws a flaming spear at midfield to begin the game. This is truly a site to see for all college football fans. The idea originated in 1962 but didn’t come to fruition until after Bobby Bowden arrived in the mid-1970s. Osceola wears traditional Native American clothing that was designed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Renegade is a rare breed of white Appaloosa horse that is supplied by the originator of the idea’s son; he personally selects and trains the horse and the rider. There is a strict and detailed selection process, and students who are selected receive a scholarship to portray Chief Osceola. As of 2014 there has only been 16 students who have played Chief Osceola. Another tradition at FSU is the birthplace of the tomahawk chop. Even though the famous chant has branched out to other teams such as the Atlanta Braves and the Kansas City Chiefs, FSU can lay claim to starting the chant in the mid-80s. The chant was invented by then student Wallace Odom and was then picked up by the famous FSU Marching Chiefs band. The tomahawk chop caught on and has become synonymous with the university; you cannot leave Doak Campbell Stadium without getting the chant stuck in your head. Neighborhood 4 Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida with a little under 200,000 people. But even though Tallahassee is the capital and a fairly large city, it still retains that college town feel. The sprawling FSU campus spans about 1,400 acres throughout downtown, with the capitol and government buildings all located about a mile or so east of the stadium, so there is not much separation between the two. Because of the closeness of the university you’ll catch a distinct class of different people mingling together under one roof; the government/business professionals and the college-aged kids. There are several different areas of downtown Tallahassee, the most popular one being the College Town neighborhood, located just across the street from campus. College Town is a mixed used development project opened in 2012, and is home to a multitude of different bars, restaurants and residential properties. Perhaps the biggest and most prominent structure has to be the Madison Social; the two-story bar is probably the most packed after game day. For late night go upstairs to the Recess Club, which has a South Beach-themed rooftop pool with sweeping views of Doak Campbell Stadium. Other restaurants and bars in College Town include Thin Lizzie’s Cantina, Township, Coosh’s Bayou Rouge, Magda’s, Vale Foods, Brooklyn Bagels, Centrale Italian, Brick House Pizza, and Harry’s Seafood. Craft beer has become really popular in Tallahassee over the past few years, and there are currently five breweries operating in Tallahassee, with GrassLands and Proof Brewing being the main two. Located just south of campus is Railroad Square, which is the Art District of Tallahassee. This is kind of the hipster area and a collection of brightly painted studios, art galleries, restaurants, and other unique shops. For other shopping there are two malls in the area, Governor’s Square Mall and Tallahassee Mall, both located on the north side of the city. An unusual, but interesting, attraction on campus would be the FSU Flying High Circus. The circus, located across the street from the stadium, originally started in 1947, and FSU is one of two colleges in the country to have an affiliated circus. All the members of the circus are required to be students, and they perform several times a year. Also, while in the downtown area I definitely recommend checking out the Florida State Capitol; this 320-foot building is one of the tallest state capitols in the U.S., and has an observation deck on the top floor with sweeping view of the FSU campus. Another attraction I recommend checking out is the Tallahassee Automobile Museum – this museum has over 1,000 different cars on display, such as an impressive collection of Batmobiles and Abraham Lincoln’s hearse. There are not a whole lot of hotels in the downtown area, with the majority of hotels located around the interstate. The prices can more than triple on game weekends though, so my suggestion if you don’t mind driving would be to drive the 45 minutes west and stay in Marianna. There are plenty of hotels here to stay at and prices are more affordable. This area is also known for its many underground springs, so if you stay in Marianna make sure you check out Florida Caverns State Park; the caverns are impressive and some of the country’s most famous underground caverns. The caverns are part of Blue Hole Springs, and you can swim in crystal clear 80 degree year round waters. Fans 4 The score for this section would be a lot lower if it wasn’t for all the traditions and the fact that this school was a college football powerhouse at one time. However, this 2019 season the fan support could be better. The ‘Noles are averaging about 55,000 fans this year, a far cry from where it was 20 years ago. At the most recent game I attended, the west side stands were pretty full while the east side was virtually empty. The only exception to the low turnout happens to be the Champions Club in the south end zone. This area is where most of the boosters and the higher-up FSU fans sit, so the fans in this section are diehards who show up regardless. I’ve heard the atmosphere and turnout is much better for a night game, although this season the Seminoles have only had one night game. Even though the Seminoles football program is in a decline (Willie Taggart was recently fired), the student and alumni support outside the stadium is still rowdier than ever. All throughout campus is lined with tents, so it is a party atmosphere no matter where you go. Even though the fan turnout for games is not what it once was, there still remains a loyal fan base that stretches across the entire northern part of Florida from Jacksonville to the panhandle. With so many colleges to compete with in the area, it’s safe to say that this part of Florida is definitely ‘Noles country. Access 4 Because of a major university being located in a downtown setting, I figured traffic would be a nightmare. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn’t the case. If coming from out of town you may have a little bit of traffic congestion getting onto any of the main roads off I-10; Monroe Street and Capital Circle are the two main roads into the university and they are pretty busy on a non-game day, much less on a game day. The stadium itself is located about a mile west of downtown, and about 5 miles south of the interstate, so expect considerable delays if you are coming from far away. The best advice to avoid traffic would be, if coming from the west take the Highway 90 exit, which exits a couple of miles west of Tallahassee, but you approach the campus from back roads which would be a quicker drive than taking the main highway into town. Highway 90 runs into Tennessee Street, which runs parallel to campus; if coming from the east you can take this exit as well, as it runs just a couple miles east of Tallahassee. Once on campus there are multiple parking lots and people charging to park in their driveways. The parking lot prices range from $10 to $20 depending on how close you park to the stadium. There are some houses charging $40 to $60 to park in their driveway, so avoid doing these unless you absolutely have to. There are enough lots around campus to park, so I recommend using the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center parking lot, as it is a fairly large lot and only charges $10. Once in the stadium the concourses are pretty wide, and with the numerous concessions stands congestion is no issues at all. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range anywhere from $15 for the corner of the stadium to $175 for first row seats on the sidelines. However, $25 to $40 is about the average price per ticket. The prices fluctuate when teams like Clemson or Miami come to town, but for the most part tickets are cheaper than they were when FSU was consistently winning. You can even find cheaper tickets on the secondary market or from a scalper. Concessions and parking prices are about average, so I consider this a good return on investment; you get to see one of the premiere college football experiences in the country for a reasonable price. Extras 4 Take a moment before the game to walk around Doak Campbell Stadium and view the different statues located around the stadium. There are three statues located outside – the Sportsmanship statue is a 15-foot tall statue of a football player helping a fellow rival teammate off the field; the Sportsmanship statue was unveiled in 2002 and is located in the south end zone. There’s also a 9-foot tall Bobby Bowden statue that was unveiled in 2004, which is located outside the north end zone. But perhaps the main statue happens to be the statue titled Unconquered; it’s a 19-foot tall statue of Chief Osceola riding his famous horse Renegade, depicting him about to spike the spear onto the field. On the Friday before game day, the university lights the end of the spear, and the flame does not get extinguished until the Sunday morning after the game. The statue was unveiled in 2003 and makes for a great photo op, and has become one of the most photographed spots on campus. Furthermore, underneath the Bobby Bowden statue are bricks lined with the names of all the greatest athletes to play at FSU in all sports. For football names like Bobby Bowden, Deion Sanders, Jimbo Fisher, Jameis Winston, Charlie Ward, Chris Weinke, Peter Warrick, Ron Simmons, Terrell Buckley, and even Burt Reynolds are forever enshrined in the bricks outside the stadium. Another extra point for the Dunlap Champions Club in the south end zone. I encourage any diehard FSU fan who has never watched a game from up there to do so at least once in their lifetime. Even though tickets are fairly expensive you cannot find a better atmosphere in all of college football. Even though the fan support may be kind of dead in the seating bowl, the Champions Club is always rockin’. You can tell the university really put a lot of effort into making this area special; multiple bars, restaurants, and booth style tables with televisions at every table; the whole area just screams top notch. I recommend getting to the stadium early and just walking around the campus. The FSU campus is absolutely beautiful, and many of the buildings are brick with Spanish Colonial Architecture, so they all blend together quite nicely. Doak Campbell Stadium fits in perfectly with the surrounding buildings. Many of the buildings are rumored to be haunted as well. The Westcott Building is probably the most beautiful and famous building on campus – the early 1900s structure has two castle shaped towers rising from the middle of the building, and has many palm trees and a gorgeous fountain. Final Thoughts Even though the FSU program hasn’t had much success in recent years, a long history of winning seasons and traditions still make seeing a game at The Doak something special. The pageantry and magic of what made this place so great is still here. Everything from the statues outside the stadium, the tomahawk chant, to Chief Osceola spiking the spear at midfield, makes watching a game at Doak Campbell Stadium truly a remarkable experience, one that all college football fans should experience.

Photos by Will Halpern, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Brooks Stadium 540 University Blvd Conway, SC 29528 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers website Brooks Stadium website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 21,000 Feel the Teal at Coastal Carolina Compared to many universities that are at least a century old, Coastal Carolina University, located in Conway, South Carolina, is relatively young compared to its peers. It was founded in 1954, but it wasn’t until 1993 that the school became an independent university. Ten years later Chanticleer Football was born. A lot of people outside of Conway and the greater Myrtle Beach area probably don’t know what a Chanticleer is or even how to pronounce it; /Shon-ti-Cleer/ is how you pronounce the fierce and cunning rooster from Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales.” But the unique mascot is not the only unique thing about the team – Brooks Stadium boasts teal turf instead of the usual green, similar to Boise State’s use of blue turf at Albertson's Stadium. The Chanticleers from 2003-15 were in the Big South Conference. They spent one season as an FCS independent, then, the following season in 2017, they stepped up to the Sun Belt Conference in Division 1 FBS football, and are now one of three programs in the Palmetto State at that level. Brooks Stadium has seen a recent expansion to accommodate the team’s rise in leagues. Opening in 2003 with a capacity of just under 6,500 seats, the stadium has seen its most rapid rise in seating capacity this 2019 season, as Brooks Stadium now holds 21,000, which is up from 15,000 last year. The Chanticleers football program is hoping to grow into the stadium over the next few years, as they get used to their success. Food & Beverage 4 Brooks Stadium doesn’t offer a ton of food options, as there are several concessions stands around the stadium that offer the same food items, but there are some unique items and enough variety to suit everyone. Entrées include the expected nachos, chicken tenders, burgers, and Hebrew National hot dogs. Black bean burgers are offered for vegetarians or vegans, as well as BBQ Pork Nachos and the truly unique Singleton Sandwich, which is a cone-shaped pretzel stuffed with Pork BBQ, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw, and it is every bit as delicious as it sounds. Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches are available as well, and snacks like popcorn and candy are also part of the main concessions stand’s menu. Students can purchase select food with their meal plan (more college stadiums nationwide should adopt this idea). Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice, and a fair amount of beer selections are offered such as Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Truly Sparkling Berry. Blue Bunny Ice Cream is also served, and free ice cream sandwiches are also offered – which is a rarity at any sporting event and a great way to combat the hot and muggy temperatures during a 2 pm kickoff. Prices are not too bad; beverages are four dollars each, or five for a souvenir cup with a one-dollar refill. The average price of entrées is six dollars, with hot dogs going for three dollars on the low end and BBQ pork nachos are ten dollars on the high end. The Singleton is six dollars which is on the lower end of most unique food items offered at sporting events. Overall the food is limited but diverse and reasonable enough to suit most people looking for a bite to eat during the game. Atmosphere 4 Brooks Stadium continued its expansion project this 2019 season by adding some premium seating and a second level to the west side stands. The stadium now has two rows of seating on both sides of the stadium, with the east side being the side to sit on to see the logo facing the correct way, or the way you would see it on TV. The east side of the stadium consists of bleachers with backs, except for a section of teal chair back seats on the second level. The seats are wide enough; the west and the north sides of the stadium also consist of bleacher seating, with the latter hosting the student section on the lower end of the section and the Marrio and Josh Norman Field House. The 8.5-million-dollar field house was named after the Norman brothers who played football for the Chanticleers (Josh is currently a cornerback for the Washington Redskins). The south side hosts a large video board as well as views of University Boulevard, the main street through campus, so as you watch video replay you can also see cars driving by, which is not super common at FBS college football stadiums. I’d recommend getting a seat on the stadium’s east side for afternoon games, and the west side for evening games in order to avoid the sun. Coastal Carolina also has a cheerleading squad, and Chauncey the Chanticleer keeps the fans engaged as well. The PA announcer also does a good job keeping the fans excited. Brooks Stadium has all of the makings of a solid college football atmosphere, as there is not a bad seat in the stadium. The main thing missing, unfortunately, is the fan support. This could be because of the Chanticleers facing an FCS opponent during the game I most recently attended, but as the stadium grows the hope is the fan support will too, and provide the needed energy to add to what Brooks Stadium currently has to offer. Neighborhood 4 Brooks Stadium, along with Coastal Carolina Soccer Stadium and Spring Brooks Stadium, home of the 2016 College World Series champion baseball team, is part of the TD Sports Complex at Coastal Carolina University. There is not a whole lot around the stadium itself except for some fast food restaurants and some places on campus, such as Einstein Brothers Bagels and Starbucks. A couple of recommended restaurants are both about ten minutes north of the stadium; Coppers, “where style meets taste,” offers classic southern cuisine in an elegant setting, while Denizelle’s offers southern cuisine as well, with a variety of rotating main and side options such as fried chicken, pork chops, mashed potatoes, and slaw. Conway, though a small town, offers a charming downtown on the Waccamaw River. However, just twenty minutes from Conway is where the real action is – Myrtle Beach is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the US, with over 14 million visitors annually. Myrtle Beach offers tons of restaurants and shops including Broadway at the Beach with over 150 stores, an amusement park, Hard Rock Café, Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium, and more. Myrtle Beach offers plenty of shopping closer to the beach, along with Family Kingdom Amusement Park and the Skywheel Myrtle Beach, and plenty of mini and standard golf courses. The beautiful beach right on the Atlantic Ocean is always a draw as well. It’s not often that you can experience a college football game and some of the best beaches in the same day. Comfort Suites at the University, Econo Lodge at the University, and Crossroads Inn & Suites are all about a five-minute drive from Brooks Stadium and are reasonably priced, compared to the hotels at Myrtle Beach, though Bermuda Sands and Boardwalk Beach Resorts are reasonable and very well-located hotels if you’d rather stay when you can hear the waves as you sleep. Fans 3 Fan support for the Chanticleers has been high the last two seasons, leading the Sun Belt in 2017 in the percentage of the stadium filled at a near-sellout 99.73%. It dropped last season to 69.9%, but which was still good enough for third in a ten-team conference. However, as 6,000 more seats are added for this season, bigger doesn’t always mean better, and while it may be the opponent they were facing on my most recent visit, the crowd seemed sparse during the game. Coastal Carolina University enrolls just under 10,500 students, and the metro population of Myrtle Beach is just under half a million, not counting the many tourists, so there should be enough of a population to increase fan attendance. The problem is that football season stretches into the fall, and the beach offseason doesn’t draw as many outside fans to the area as, say, a Myrtle Beach Pelicans game might. Coastal Carolina is also close to but not in Myrtle Beach itself, which might detract visitors with no connection to the university from coming out to cheer on the Chants. The fans who are there are loud, engaged, and are very knowledgeable about the game. A win over Power Five Kansas this season, and with the Jayhawks and rival Appalachian State coming to Brooks Stadium next season, attendance might increase with the bigger stadium, but in a conference whose geographic footprint is so spread out (schools range from the Carolinas to Texas) and without a long football tradition, it might be a few years, and more victories before more fans in teal pack the seats, but the future in Conway looks hopeful. Access 4 Brooks Stadium is located on the southwest corner of Coastal Carolina University in the TD Sports Complex on the intersection of university Blvd running east to west, and Corporal Dennis Lyden Memorial Highway running north to south. It is very easy to get to and traffic is not too bad coming to the stadium, though it is a little tougher leaving. Although parking near the stadium is mainly reserved for donors with a parking pass, there are two lots where fans can park for free: Lot YY off SC 544 and Lot GG off US 501. Complimentary ADA accessible shuttles will take fans to the game every ten minutes. There is also select parking in any parking lot on campus where fans can park for free, unless otherwise noted starting at four hours before kickoff. University parking regulations apply, so make sure to check out any signage. A select number of handicap parking spaces are available next to Brooks Stadium in Lot QQ free of charge with proper identification. The C7 bus runs between downtown Myrtle Beach and Conway, stopping at the university which is about a half-mile from the stadium. The bus runs every hour to Myrtle Beach from the university until 2 pm, and then every two hours until 6 pm when the last bus leaves, so you’ll need to find another form of transportation if the game or your time in Conway extends beyond then. The bus does run until 8, coming back to Conway in case you’re wanting to head to the university for a later game. Coming from Myrtle Beach, the fare is $3 round trip. Myrtle Beach International Airport is about twenty minutes to the east and offers flights to a wide range of cities at often inexpensive prices, as a result of the airport being the hub for the low-cost airline Allegiant. There are several gates around the stadium, including Gate 6, where all the parking shuttles arrive at the stadium. Lines and security are very quick, just be aware of the new clear bag policy that is happening at sports venues across the country. The concourse is easy to walk around and doesn’t get too congested, bathrooms are clean, and there is handicap seating throughout the stadium as well. Return on Investment 4 Attending a game at Brooks Stadium is a fun way to spend an afternoon and won’t set you back too much. Tickets and food are reasonably priced, and watching a game on a field that isn’t the standard green alone is worth the price of admission. Fan Price Guide Tickets: $15-$20 Singleton sandwich/drink: $10 Parking: Free There was nothing I could find on group tickets, but season tickets are available, with access to premium seating and reserved parking. Extras 5 One point for the teal turf that the Chanticleers play on, with point number two for the incredibly unique mascot, and a third point for the Singleton sandwich which is almost as unique as the Chanticleer itself. Point number four goes for the free ice cream sandwiches given out during the game, and finally a point for the close proximity to some of the best beaches in America. Final Thoughts Coastal Carolina football is a program on the rise, having only started in 2003, and moving to the Sun Belt Conference just two years ago. Brooks Stadium is now up to FBS standards, and the Chanticleers are hoping to take that next step towards a winning tradition. It will take some time for the fans and students to truly embrace Coastal football, but with a stadium that provides great sight lines, unique food and beverage offerings, a large video board, and teal turf, the future of Brooks Stadium and Coastal football looks very promising.

Photos by Will Halpern , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Kidd Brewer Stadium Center 270 Stadium Dr Boone, NC 28608 Appalachian State Mountaineers website Kidd Brewer Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 30,000 ASU Football Continues to Rock in Boone In 1928, nearly three decades after Appalachian State University was founded, their football team was launched, playing at College Field for 34 seasons until their move across campus in 1962 in what was then known as Conrad Stadium. In 1988 the stadium was dedicated to one of the most successful coaches in Mountaineer history, Kidd Brewer. Kidd Brewer Stadium, known as “The Rock,” is a staple of college football not just in Boone but in the state of North Carolina, and even though at times it lives in the shadow of the four in-state ACC Programs to the east, Kidd Brewer Stadium and the Mountaineers who play there have been trendsetters. In 1970 the stadium was the first in the Carolinas to make use of artificial turf, and since then the team has had many successes – for example, more than three decades later the Mountaineers won 30 games in a row. The team also captured three consecutive NCAA FCS (then called Division 1-AA) national championships. In fact, ASU is the only college in North Carolina at any level to win an NCAA national championship in football, and the first Division 1 school since Army in the 1940s to win three straight football titles. However, the Black and Gold are best remembered for something that occurred over 500 miles away from Boone, and that was the team’s upset over #5 Michigan at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, becoming the first FCS school to upset a ranked FBS Squad. The upset over the Wolverines is still regarded as one of the greatest upsets in all of sports, and while the Mountaineers have not achieved anything of that magnitude since then, Kidd Brewer Stadium still provides one of the best small conference college football experiences in the country. With the move from the Southern Conference up to the Sun Belt Conference, it is unlikely we will see them win another national championship, but with recent home games against Power Five schools like Miami and Wake Forest, and more on the horizon, the stadium is continuing to upgrade to increase the already incredible game day experience. Food & Beverage 4 Boone is a town known for more than just being the home of App State; it is also home to a plethora of local restaurants, bars, and shops. The stadium, by bringing in some of these local vendors, expands the options far beyond the traditional stadium fare. The Yosef Snack Bar is the place to grab your normal stadium fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, peanuts, etc., and while each of these items is priced at four dollars, you can mix and match and get three items for ten dollars. Or, the Smoke House Hall of Fame serves heartier fare including the Carolina BBQ Sandwich for five dollars, and if that isn’t enough there is a 12-inch BBQ Grinder for twelve dollars – while the latter’s price is a little steep it is truly a big sandwich. The Cardinal is a food truck that serves burgers, with the single, double, and triple at seven, nine, and eleven dollars respectively. Burgers can be made Carolina Style (chili, slaw, mustard, and pickles) or All the Way (mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions). Cheese and bacon can also be added, and they also offer gluten-free buns and beet burgers for vegans. But the best item at the truck is no doubt the queso fries, and while eight dollars may seem like a lot, it is well worth it. Queso fries are exactly what they sound like: fresh-baked golden fries, drizzled with queso. Pepsi is the soft drink provider at Kidd Brewer Stadium, going at four dollars for a bottle, and with the introduction of beer sales this season (2019) there are plenty of places to grab a beer, though identification and a one drink per customer limit is strictly enforced. Coors and Miller Lite, along with Blue Moon and Light Claw Hard Seltzer are your domestic options for seven dollars each, and Yosef Golden Ale, the craft beer of choice, is nine dollars. Coffee is also served at a stand where you can also get vanilla and caramel lattes and hot chocolate, as well as mocha and caramel frappes and frozen hot chocolate. Finally, for those looking for something sweet, two great options are the Appalachian Cookie Company serving up six varieties of fresh-baked cookies, and the Farmer’s Wife Fried Apple Pies, both of which are delicious choices. The only downside with the concessions is that they are priced a little high, and with mostly sold-out crowds at The Rock, lines can be long. Still, the food is well worth the wait and the price. Atmosphere 5 Kidd Brewer Stadium is by no means one of the larger college football stadiums around, but this adds to the game day experience as the stadium is intimate enough to offer great views of the field, campus, and the beautiful Appalachian Mountains that tower behind the stadium, creating one of the most scenic backdrops in the country for a college football game. The town and the university are both just shy of 20,000 people, but with a stadium around 30,000, demand for tickets is high and sellouts are common. The stadium is in the process of renovations so at the moment, work is being done behind the north end zone to create a fieldhouse, athletic training space, offices, and premium seating which will be opened by the 2020 season. The main seating area is the west stands, which feature sections 101-107 and 201-207, while sections 108-114 and 208-218 are on the east side. However, it is important to note that a lot of those sections are for different levels of Yosef Club Members, as well as for students who make up the entire lower west end of the stadium. However, you can always find seats throughout the stadium both through the App State Athletics website or through a secondary marketplace. There is also seating on the hill behind the south end zone, but the hill can get very cramped and you don’t get a great view – in some cases you get no view – of the large video board that sits behind that end zone. There is a smaller scoreboard behind the north end zone as well. Tickets range from 30 to 40 dollars each on average, but if a game sells out the tickets may be higher on the secondary market, especially for higher profile games. Club seating is offered above the west side stands, and the PA Announcer is loud and engaging. App State, like most universities, features a dance team and cheerleading squad, and its mascot Yosef is beloved not only at games but throughout the Boone community. The Mountaineer Walk allows the team to walk to the stadium past the fans, and “Mountain Music” by Alabama is played before the team walks from the locker room through the corner of the concourse and onto the field for the start of the game. The fight song is regularly sung, and the chanting of ‘App’ on one side and ‘State!’ on the other is often practiced during games. I’d recommend sitting on the west side of the stadium to be closer to the energy of the great student section, and to avoid the direct glare of sunset. Neighborhood 4 Kidd Brewer Stadium is located on the south end of campus but is within easy walking distance from any point on campus as well as from King Street, Boone’s main drag. Boone is not for everyone: it is by no means a large urban center and therefore can’t offer what some larger cities can, but what Boone does offer is some incredible places to eat, shop, and explore. Just keep in mind that Boone is a mountain town and there are a lot of hills, including the walk up to the stadium itself. Bring lots of water and take breaks as needed. Boone is home to many locally-owned restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite or drink before or after a Mountaineer football game. Our Daily Bread offers a wide assortment of specialty sandwiches, salads, and local desserts, while F.A.R.M Cafe is a pay what-you-can restaurant that serves local food for people with different dietary needs on a pay scale that makes sure that everyone can eat no matter their income. Saebing Boone King serves up Vietnamese and Thai foods and includes sushi, or Boone Saloon is a favorite among the locals, with a variety of drink options and traditional American bar food, such as appetizers, sandwiches, soups, and salads along with five different types of mac and cheese. All of these restaurants are on King Street, which can get quite busy, so if you’re looking for a place a bit further away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Boone, the Pedalin’ Pig BBQ offers scenic views with plenty of outdoor seating and food that is “southern style with a gourmet flare.” Their menu includes various sandwiches, ribs, pork, brisket, and fish, and the restaurant is a great place to check out. Besides the shops, boutiques, and the many local festivals such as the First Friday Art Crawl, Boone has lots of outdoor activities, which makes sense given that it’s nestled in North Carolina’s High Country in the Appalachian Mountains. There are numerous places to hike, bike, or just relax and have a picnic and enjoy the views. Howards Knob County Park and Clawson-Burnley Park are both less than a ten-minute drive from downtown Boone and from Kidd Brewer Stadium, or for those looking to extend a football weekend into a camping trip, the Flintlock and Honey Bear Camping sites are just ten minutes from downtown. Those looking to learn how to rock climb should check out Center 45 Climbing and Fitness, just five minutes away, and just fifteen minutes away is Blowing Rock, with its local shops, restaurants, and outdoor areas. There are a number of places near App State and Kidd Brewer Stadium to stay for a night or longer. There are the chains, of course, such as Hampton Inn & Suites, Quality Inn, and Courtyard by Marriott, which are all a short five-minute drive or 30-minute walk from the stadium. However, if you’re looking for something affordable but a little nicer check out Master Hosts Resorts-Highland Hills Cabins; offering rustic wooden bedrooms, a hot tub, and an outdoor pool, this quaint hotel is located less than two miles away from The Rock. Fans 5 Kidd Brewer Stadium boasts some of the best fans not just in the Sun Belt but in all of the Group of Five Conferences in FBS College Football. An ASU football game is more than just a standard college football game – it’s a community event. The entire town rallies behind the team and welcomes the influx of former students, alumni, and Mountaineer fans from far and wide that come to Boone for the day or weekend. ASU averaged 23,351 fans last season (2018), good for second in the conference behind Troy and 25,787 the year before, which was tops in the Sun Belt, and while there was a small decline in attendance across those years, the passion of the fans has not dropped. The fans are loud, passionate, and really do bleed black and gold. Many stadiums have student sections, but Kidd Brewer Stadium has a fantastic student section that truly embodies school spirit. It would be easy to forget that the school does not compete in a larger conference given the raucous crowd. Access 3 Kidd Brewer Stadium is located on the south end of campus a half mile from King Street. However, with the construction going on this season around the stadium, the usually intense traffic on the way to the stadium gets worse. Make sure to give yourself time to get to the game, as parking around the stadium is reserved mainly for donors to the university. Driving into Boone itself is usually not too bad, though the traffic gets tough as you get close to town. A lot of the parking lots closer to the stadium are reserved for club members, but street parking on both King and Queen Streets is just $1 per hour. Depot Street also has dollar-an-hour parking and allows tailgating, unlike the other lots. Other lots that allow tailgating include the First Baptist Church on King Street ($20 donation), Hardin Street Lot ($15), Lot 3 on Cherry and King Street ($15), Austin and Barnes Funeral Home on Queen Street ($20), and the Grace Lutheran Church on King Street which is donation based. There are also some parking spaces around the Watauga County Courthouse and Administration Building, as well as the Watauga County Health Department Lot 150, with 80 free spaces and 250 $25 spaces respectively. There is an ample amount of parking and with construction set to finish for the 2020 season, more parking options should appear. Make sure to visit the App State and Explore Boone websites for the latest information. If you want to avoid the hassle of driving, Sunway Charters offers inexpensive bus service from Charlotte and Greensboro for 17 dollars each way. Appalacart offers bus service to and from Kidd Brewer Stadium and around Boone free of charge as well. There are no airports super close to Boone; Charlotte Douglas Airport and Piedmont Triad International Airport are about two hours to the southeast and west respectively. There are two main gates entering the facility, the east gate and west gate. Both have long lines within about an hour of kickoff, though credit should be given to the staff for quickly getting people in. There is a clear bag policy starting this season, so keep that in mind when packing for the game. Handicap parking is in the Hill Street Lot, and there are plenty of handicap seats on the west side of the stadium. Access around the concourses can be tricky given the large number of people on game day. During my most recent visit there were some early issues before kickoff with traffic unable to move between the hill and the stadium’s west side, and as a result some people were delayed getting to their seats, and I saw some visible frustration among the fans. However, it being the first game of the season, those problems are likely to get resolved in the coming weeks. The bathrooms are clean and the lines are never too bad with the exception of at halftime. The high attendance numbers are great for the stadium, the average-sized concourse does make it hard sometimes to move around the venue. Return on Investment 5 An Appalachian State football game is truly worth every penny spent on parking and tickets. Between the wide variety of food, the scenic views, and the incredible fans and game day atmosphere, this is a great experience for fans. Fan Pricing Guide: Ticket Price: $30-$40 Queso Fries/Dr Pepper: $12 Game Program: $5 There is nothing specific at App State for group ticket deals, though purchasing season tickets allows you to have close game day parking, and joining the Yosef Club allows you to donate to Student-Athletes in need. Extras 5 One point goes to the incredible views of the scenic Appalachian Mountains from anywhere at Kidd Brewer Stadium. A second point goes to the incredible fans, specifically those in the student section who really make The Rock a tough place to play for any visiting team. Another point goes to all the local food vendors who set up shop during the game, while point number four is for the incredible tailgating scene around the stadium and the town. Finally, a point for the green A in the hedges on the hill behind the scoreboard. Final Thoughts Sitting at 3,333 feet above sea level, Kidd Brewer Stadium is the highest college football stadium east of the Mississippi and has one of the best fan bases of any Group of Five Conference school in FBS. The Rock has been the backdrop of long winning streaks, three consecutive national championship winning teams, and now it’s a force in the Sun Belt Conference. Kidd Brewer Stadium is the place to be on Saturday in Western North Carolina; the stadium embodies what makes Boone and Appalachian State such a great place to visit: great food, beautiful views, and passionate fans decked out in black and gold.

Photos by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Vines Center 1971 University Dr. Lynchburg, VA 24502 Liberty Flames website Vines Center website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 9,547 Fan the Flames The Liberty Flames basketball team currently plays all their home games at the geodesic Vines Center in Lynchburg, Virginia. This multi-purpose venue seats almost 10,000 people and is home to the women’s basketball and the volleyball program. It is also used for more than just sports, hosting convocations as well and other campus events. Nicknamed “The Furnace,” the arena opened in 1990 and has been the faithful home of the Flames for the past 20 years. In 2020, the team expects to move into their new 4,500 seat Liberty Arena next door. But while the 2019-20 season will be Liberty’s last full year playing here, there’s still plenty to see and do at the Vines Center while it’s still being permanently used. Food & Beverage 4 If you’re looking to fill that empty stomach, a visit to the main concession area may be in order. Here you’ll find some filling foods, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, nachos, and even a pizza slice. There are also a few snacks available, like popcorn, chips, and ice cream. Most of these options are priced fairly at $3-$6. Coca-Cola is the primary beverage on tap and you can get one of these chilled sodas for as low as $3. If you’re particularly thirsty, go for the $10 bottomless soda that allows you to refill the cup as many times as you’d like. Bottled water is $2.50. If nothing at the concession stand seems appealing, there are plenty of vending machines on the concourse. These machines are home to sweets and snacks galore, as well as sodas of all kinds. Atmosphere 4 Liberty isn’t that small Big South school any longer. After moving to the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2018, they claimed their first March Madness victory later that season and are now enjoying a period of relative success. The game-day experience at Vines Center reflects this, providing the unique and wild atmosphere that the team deserves. When the Flames’ players make their entrance onto the court, spouts attached to the tunnel entrance shoot fire – flames, if you will. They go off continuously throughout the game and light up after every Flames bucket, appropriately. The student section is the leader of the encouragement. The school band plays at the proper times and the cheerleaders hold up the letters, “F-L-A-M-E-S” on occasion. When the opposing team shoots free throws, the first and last letters are dropped to spell, “L-A-M-E” – just the kind of taunting you’d expect at Liberty. Neighborhood 4 Liberty University is the pulse of Lynchburg. The main drag near the Liberty campus is Wards Road, a haven for big box stores and national restaurant chains. Further away is downtown Lynchburg, where you’ll find a few local eateries and shops, including a bakery called Cinn City. This pastry house is known for its delicious beignets, a type of French doughnut, and might be worth a post-game dessert stop. Jimmy on James, Grey’s, Skyline, The Water Dog are also other great local options in downtown. There’s plenty of lodging near campus as well. While there are a few chain brands within sight of Vines Center, most of the hotel options are a few miles down the road near the Lynchburg City Airport. Fans 2 Vines Center often seems sadly empty. Perhaps the fans only show up for marquee matchups or weekend games, but contests during the non-conference schedule aren’t heavily attended. However, the fans who do show up on a regular basis are very involved in the game and cheer on their Flames throughout the game. One of the contributing factors to the appearance of weak attendance is the fact that the Vines Center is simply too large. It’s understandable that the Flames are moving into a new arena in 2020, which is slated to be half the size of their current home. Access 4 Lynchburg, while not directly connected to the Interstate system, is easily accessible via several major highways. US 29 is the primary north-south route, connecting the city to Charlottesville and I-64 in the north, and Greensboro and I-85/I-40 in the south. US 460 provides easy access to Roanoke in the southwest, linking Lynchburg to I-81. Once on the Liberty campus, there are several free lots to choose from. While they aren’t clearly marked on game days, you can look on Liberty’s website to see about all your parking options in advance. None of the free lots are more than a 15-minute walk away, and it’s a pleasant stroll through the university common to the front door of Vines Center. Once inside the arena, you’ll find the concourse to be easy to navigate and never crowded. The game is also visible from any point in the venue, barring the concession area where your view is blocked. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets are available for $12 and discounted $7 tickets are offered to youth and students from any college. For $17, fans can purchase a ticket in the padded seating section near the center court. However, there’s no real advantage to sitting in this section, so it isn’t wise to spend the extra $5 for tickets here. Concessions are a bit on the pricey side, but parking is free if you’re willing to take a short stroll. Overall, a family of four is looking at around $80 for a day out at the Vines Center. Extras 3 An obvious extra point needs to be awarded for the unique geodesic dome. The trophy case that highlights achievements across Liberty Athletics warrants another point. A final mark is given for the team’s prayer with their opponent after the game. Vine Center Geodesic Dome, Photo by Jared Goodman, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Liberty is constructing a new 4,500 seat basketball venue directly next to Vines Center that will host Flames’ basketball and volleyball starting in the 2020-21 season. According to the university, Vines will still be used for men’s basketball games that are expected to draw large crowds. Regardless, if you want to see a game under this impressive dome, get out to Lynchburg quickly.